This study utilized DNA metabarcoding to analyze the winter diet of the critically endangered Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi). DNA extracted from fecal samples revealed that the most abundant plant genera were Magnolia, Morinda, Viburnum, Tetradium, and Eurya, primarily shrubs, herbs, and shrubs/trees. The most abundant animal families were Psychodidae, Trichinellidae, Staphylinidae, Scarabaeidae, and Trichoceridae. This research provides the first DNA metabarcoding-based analysis of the winter diet of R. brelichi, offering valuable insights into its feeding ecology and informing conservation efforts.
