Doctoral candidate to study the gut health of red pandas

Environmental Science and Policy PhD candidate, Sarah Huskisson, is characterizing the gastrointestinal health of red pandas using short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, advised by Elizabeth Freeman, associate professor in the School of Integrative Studies.

Huskisson and Freeman aim to provide the first characterization of SCFA concentrations for red pandas and hope that differences in concentrations can be pinpointed between healthy and mucoid/loose stools. 

They have two hypotheses: First, they hypothesize that healthy/formed fecal samples will be associated with a more balanced ratio of SCFA types (e.g., acetate, butyrate) than mucoid/loose stools. Second, they hypothesize that reduced overall concentrations of SCFAs will be linked to increased concentrations of stress hormone metabolites. 

The present study is contributing to their larger goal of understanding factors that contribute to the health and well-being of endangered red pandas. Through this dynamic, multi-faceted study, Huskisson and Freeman will measure how readily observable indicators of health (i.e., fecal quality and glucocorticoid metabolites), red panda personality, management, and environmental conditions relate to SCFAs and GI health. Results of this study will allow researchers to develop a method to proactively identify GI distress in red pandas and enact timely intervention, ultimately maximizing quality of life for the charismatic red pandas.

They hold that this study is important because, to date, scientists have not examined physiological and environmental correlates of GI distress in red pandas with this methodology. 

With this research, Huskisson and Freeman will augment empirical knowledge of gut-brain axis function in general and improve knowledge of the biology of endangered and understudied red pandas.

Huskisson and Freeman will receive $2,205 from Potter Park Zoo for this project. Funding will begin in October 2024 and will end in October 2025.