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Frequency distribution, species richness and egg per gram of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging Papio Ursinus species in a semi-arid savanna ecosystem of Zimbabwe
Author
Banda, A
Moyo, DZ
Ncube, N
Utete, E
Gandiwa, E
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

A cross-sectional study of the free-ranging baboon (Papio ursinus) troops was undertaken at the Epoch Mine campus, Insiza district, Zimbabwe with the objective of investigating the frequency distribution, species richness and eggs per gram (EPG) of gastrointestinal parasites among three baboon troops. Baboons are general feeders and have been observed to interact with both livestock and humans at Epochmine campus this can lead to cross exchange of parasites among these organisms. One hundred and twenty (120) fresh faecal samples were collected from February 2023 to September 2023. Floatation technique was utilised to process the faecal samples, thereafter samples were placed in Mcmaster slides and viewed under a microscope. Parasite ova were identified based on morphological features like size and shape. There was significant difference in the parasite frequencies among the troops (P=0.041). No significant difference (P = 0.311) was observed in parasite species richness. There was significant differences in e gg per gram among the three troops (P=0.00193). The high frequency and EPG of gastrointestinal parasites among the three troops can be attributed to eating less of fortified food among peoples' resident bins and limited use of natural herbs. The high species richness among the baboons can be attributed to larger baboon home range thereby resulting in acquisition of many different gastrointestinal parasites along the way. The observed research outputs calls for active surveillance of gastrointestinal disease outbreaks among humans and livestock since the baboons carry potential zoonotic parasites.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 931-935. Theme: Theme 4 / Management for biodiverse rangelands
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
baboons
wildlife-livestock interface
zoonosis