The microbiome horizon of mammalogy

Abstract Microbiome science has revolutionized our understanding of host–microbe interactions, with mammalian hosts providing a unique and diverse system to study these associations. This Special Feature presents a compelling synthesis of studies that use microbiome science to explore mammals as holobionts (i.e., an individual host and its associated microorganisms), highlighting how these microbial communities play important roles in the ecology and evolution of mammalian hosts. The studies showcase diverse mammalian models—such as bats, chipmunks, groundhogs, and spotted hyenas—and highlight the importance of factors including diet, phylogeny, and gut anatomy in shaping microbial communities. The research presented in this Special Feature also emphasizes the need for more mammalogy researchers to embrace the field of microbiology by developing robust data collection protocols and experimental models to examine these complex systems. Long-term datasets from mammalian hosts will be powerful tools for understanding stochasticity in host–microbe associations, a poorly understood area even in simple model systems. Furthermore, this Special Feature highlights the importance of inclusive knowledge in microbiome sciences. The workshop hosted as part of the symposium, “Using the Mammalian Microbiome as a Framework to Explore Historical Knowledge and Object Interpretation as Methods for Enhancing Understanding,” provided opportunities for structured and free-form reflections. Our efforts were motivated by the increasing recognition that practices of academic science are strengthened when philosophy, Indigenous knowledge systems, and the humanities are incorporated. Overall, the studies presented in this Special Feature demonstrate the power of microbiome science to advance our understanding of mammalian ecology, evolution, physiology, health, and conservation. We hope that this Special Feature inspires more mammalogists to venture into microbiome research, enabling a re-examination of mammalian biology through the lens of the holobiont concept.