Rodents as potential hosts and reservoirs of parasites along the edge of a Central African forest: Bwindi impenetrable national park, South Western Uganda

A study in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, reveals that rodents—comprising 42% of the world's mammalian population—serve as significant reservoirs for zoonotic parasites. Researchers captured 288 rodents from 24 species, finding high infestation rates with ectoparasites (mites, fleas, ticks) and endoparasites (including Nippostrongylus, Ascaris, and Cryptosporidium). Proamys jacksoni rodents showed the highest parasite burden, while Lophuromys aquilus was most abundant. The findings underscore rodents' zoonotic potential, particularly near human settlements adjacent to protected areas, and highlight the need for integrated rodent management strategies to mitigate parasite transmission risks to both wildlife—such as mountain gorillas—and humans.

Mawanda, P., Rwego, I., J Kisakye, J., & Sheil, D. (2020). Rodents as potential hosts and reservoirs of parasites along the edge of a Central African forest: Bwindi impenetrable national park, South Western Uganda. African Health Sciences, 20(3), 1168–1178. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v20i3.20