Spatial and Temporal Variations in Gastrointestinal Parasitism in the Critically Endangered Hirola and Livestock in Southern Kenya

Abstract

Seasonal and environmental differences can influence host-parasite dynamics. In this study we investigated the influence of changes in season on prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of Hirola or Hunter’s Antelope (Beatragus hunteri) and livestock in two different areas in Southern Kenya using noninvasive coprological procedures. Faecal samples were collected from both Hirola and livestock in Tsavo East National Park and Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy and analyzed using a combination of sedimentation and McMaster faecal floatation techniques. The results showed that both Hirola and livestock were infected by a wide variety of strongyles, trematodes, cestodes and coccidia. Season was found to be the major factor influencing infection patterns in both Hirola and livestock with significantly higher prevalence and intensity being recorded during the wet as compared to the dry season. Apparently, differences in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence and intensity in Ishaqbini and Tsavo were not statistically significant. This was an indication that the environmental differences between the two areas influenced the host-parasite dynamics in Hirola and livestock only to a small extent.