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.
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