This project aims to characterize the intestinal microbiota of cheetahs with specific focus on the influence of changes in the strict carnivorous diet on the fecal microbiota and its role in the digestive process. Based on the use of molecular techniques (PCR-DGGE, real-time PCR) and dedicated in-vitro and in-vivo studies, we will identify indicator organisms with beneficial fermentation profiles, and new insights in their role to maintain the normal intestinal health status will be obtained.