Occurrence and seasonality of internal parasite infection in elephants, Loxodonta africana, in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

A comprehensive analysis of internal parasite infections in wild elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals significant seasonality and demographic patterns. The study found that coccidian oocysts (51% prevalence), nematode eggs (77%), and trematode eggs (24%) were widespread, with nematodes showing peak transmission during the rainy season. Nematode infections were notably higher in larger maternal groups compared to all-male groups, while fluke egg prevalence increased with elephant age. The research used a combination of flotation and sedimentation methods on 458 faecal samples, analyzing factors such as month, year, sex, age, and group composition. Additionally, sample preservation in formalin was found to affect detection probabilities over time.

Baines, L., Morgan, E. R., Ofthile, M., & Evans, K. (2015). Occurrence and seasonality of internal parasite infection in elephants, Loxodonta africana, in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 4(1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.01.004