Parasites of White-bellied Pangolins Retrieved From Trade for Conservation in South-west Nigeria

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the gastrointestinal and ectoparasites infecting white-bellied pangolins ( Phataginus tricuspis ) retrieved from trade in southwest Nigeria. Twenty-one (21) pangolins were screened in this study. Faecal samples were collected and analysed using centrifugal flotation and simple faecal sedimentation techniques. Ectoparasites were retrieved from under the scales and ventral parts of the animals. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics with some presented as mean and standard deviations. Eighteen (18) (85.7%) pangolins were infected with parasites. Gastrointestinal parasites identified include eleven (11) helminth species (sp.) ( Strongyloides sp, Habronema hamospiculatum, Enterobius sp, Trichuris sp, Ascaris sp, Dictyocaulus sp, Cooperia sp, Fasciola sp, Schistosoma sp, Chabertia sp, and Ancylostoma sp), and two protozoan species ( Eimeria sp and Giardia sp). Strongyloides sp had the highest prevalence (47.6%), followed by Eimeria sp, Habronema hamospiculatum , and Cooperia sp which all had a prevalence of 38.1% each, while the lowest prevalence was recorded in Ancylostoma sp, Schistosoma sp, Fasciola sp, and Dictyocaulus sp., each having 9.5%. Ticks were the only ectoparasites retrieved from the pangolins. The ticks were of three genera Amblyomma sp, Rhipicephalus sp, and Dermacentor sp with a prevalence of 47.6%, 38.1%, and 33.3%, respectively. Strongyloides sp had the highest mean intensity of infection (18.5 ± 7.35), while Habronema hamospiculatum and Ancylostoma sp had 13.0 ± 4.18 and 21.0 ± 0.0 mean intensity of infection respectively. The lowest mean intensity was recorded in Fasciola sp (2.5 ± 0.50). This study offers helpful baseline information on the gastrointestinal parasites and ectoparasites associated with white-bellied pangolins. This information may be used for the health management and conservation of white-bellied pangolins.