Endoparasite Prevalence in the Mountain Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus spp. isaaci) at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

Abstract

Parasite–host interactions influence the success of wildlife reintroductions. The mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is a critically endangered antelope found only in Kenya's montane forests, with fewer than 100 remaining in the wild. It is, therefore, imperative to re-establish a viable, healthy, and self-sustaining population in its native habitat. We analyzed the fecal samples from a re-established population over a two-year period, identifying Coccidia and Strongylids as the predominant gastrointestinal parasites. Infestation levels for both were higher during the wet season than the dry season and higher during the calf age followed by sub-adult and least at adult stage. The prevalence of both Coccidia and Strongylids differed significantly by age group, but only Coccidia differed significantly by season. Understanding variation in parasite load can assist in planning for priority interventions such as boosting nutrition, administering medication, or employing other methods to counter high-risk season and age group infections. Our study also contributed to understanding differences in survival rates and shed light on how these are related to parasite load. Results emphasize the need to conduct more studies on the bongo, its habitat, and drivers of parasite load species sharing the ecosystem.