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Parasite prevalence, abundance and diversity in a semi-free-ranging colony of Mandrillus sphinx

Setchell, J.M.; Bedjabaga, I-B.; Goossens, B.; Reed, P.; Wickings, E.J.; Knapp, L.A.

Authors

I-B. Bedjabaga

B. Goossens

P. Reed

E.J. Wickings

L.A. Knapp



Abstract

We examined parasite prevalence, abundance of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs in the feces, and number of parasitic taxa in a population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) in semi-free-ranging conditions in their habitat range, with respect to the annual cycle, sex, age, dominance rank, and female reproductive status. We identified 3 taxa of amebic protozoa (Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica/dispar complex, and Endolimax nana), 1 ciliate protozoa (Balantidium coli), and various nematodes. Prevalence ranged from 1 observation in 874 samples for Trichuris and Mammomonogamus (nematodes) to 100% for Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana. Daily observation, consistency of fecal samples, and periodic veterinary examination indicated that the mandrills were all healthy, suggesting that the presence of intestinal parasites in the provisioned population is well tolerated. Parasite prevalence, abundance in the feces, and number of taxa varied significantly across the annual cycle. Nematode egg prevalence and abundance were lowest during the dry season. We found no sexual difference and no influence of female dominance rank on parasitic infections. Nematode prevalence increased significantly with age in females, but not in males. There was no influence of age on prevalence of other taxa, abundance in the feces, or number of taxa. Abundance of nematode eggs in the feces was higher in pregnant than in lactating or cycling females. However, births are seasonal in the mandrill colony, and pregnant females were present during the months when nematode egg abundance was also higher in males, suggesting that this may be an influence of climate seasonality in addition to, or rather than, female status.

Citation

Setchell, J., Bedjabaga, I., Goossens, B., Reed, P., Wickings, E., & Knapp, L. (2007). Parasite prevalence, abundance and diversity in a semi-free-ranging colony of Mandrillus sphinx. International Journal of Primatology, 28(6), 1345-1362. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-007-9225-6

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Dec 1, 2007
Deposit Date Feb 6, 2009
Journal International Journal of Primatology
Print ISSN 0164-0291
Electronic ISSN 1573-8604
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 6
Pages 1345-1362
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-007-9225-6
Keywords Gastrointestinal parasites, Nematode, Primate, Protozoa, Season.