Publication details
Intestinal parasites of wild orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park, Borneo, Indonesia
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Parasitology is increasingly employed by field primatologists to better understand the ecology and health of wild primate populations. This study examined the intestinal parasites of wild Bornean orangutans in Gunung Palung National Park. Gunung Palung is relatively pristine orangutan habitat, while many other orangutan sites consist of degraded secondary forest. As habitat disturbance and contact with humans are known to increase parasite infection in wild primates, the Gunung Palung population was predicted to have low overall parasite prevalence. Using direct smear and fecal concentration techniques on-site at the research camp, fecal samples were analyzed and parasites identified based on morphological characteristics viewed through a light microscope. At least one type of parasite species was detected in every sample (N=152) from every individual (N=38) that was tested. No other wild orangutan study thus far has reported 100% parasite prevalence. Strongyle -type eggs, Balantidium sp. and Entamoeba sp., each show remarkably high prevalence, approaching 100%. Also of note is the high prevalence ofTrichuris sp. in Gunung Palung compared to reports from other wild orangutan populations (20% at Gunung Palung, while never higher than 7% at other wild study sites). We discuss these surprising results and the potential influential factors, including methodological considerations and conservation issues. Various orangutan behaviors, including socializing and ground travel, may help explain these results as well, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring of parasite infection. |