Seasonal and habitat alteration correlates of parasitic Infections in black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in northern Argentina

KOWALEWSKI, M MARTIN; GILLESPIE, THOMAS R

Curitiba

Congreso; XIV Congresso de Primatologia; 2011

Sociedad Brasileira de Primatologia

Human populations and human activities within primate habitats has resulted in high potential for pathogen exchange creating challenges for biodiversity conservation and global health. This study was carried out at four different sites that differ in their degree of habitat alteration and degradation and levels of contact with humans and wild animals in northern Argentina. We collected 789 fecal samples from 46-50 groups of black and gold howlers, Alouatta caraya, seasonally to identify gastrointestinal parasites between 2007-2008. We detected the presence of the following parasites: at least 6 Cestodes –Bertiella mucronata, Monienza sp., Hymenolepis sp., and Taenia sp., and roundworms-, at least 9 Nematodes -Trypanoxyuris minutus, Ascaris sp., Ancylostoma sp., Parabronema sp., Trichostrongyls sp., hookworms, unidentified strongylids and larvated nematodes -, 3 Trematodes -Controrchis billiophilus, Fasciola sp., unidentified flukes -, and at least 4 Protozoan -Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba sp. Iodamoeba sp., and unidentified Coccidia. Prevalence seems to be higher during the Fall and at village sites –higher contact with humans and domesticated animals- (p<0.05). This research provides new insights into the identification of risk factors for disease transmission, improving the ability of conservationists and policy-makers to make informed decisions about the risks and benefits of timber exploitation, wildlife conservation, and human health in developing countries.