A Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Wild and Orphan Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

A comprehensive survey of gastrointestinal parasites in wild and orphan greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) at Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, revealed near-universal infection rates. Parasite ova were detected in 100% of wild rhino samples, with trematodes Paramphistomum sp., strongyle nematodes, and the cestode Anoplocephala sp. being the most prevalent. Orphaned juveniles exhibited a 96% infection rate, while orphan calves showed significantly lower rates (27%). Strongyles were the only parasites identified in orphans. Fecal egg counts indicated higher parasite loads in wild rhinos (mean 64 eggs per gram) compared to orphans (mean 43 epg for juveniles and 2 epg for calves). The study highlights the widespread nature of gastrointestinal parasite infections in this population, suggesting potential implications for individual health and population viability. Further sampling is recommended to elucidate epidemiological patterns.

(Ed.). (2018). A SURVEY OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF WILD AND ORPHAN GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINO (RHINOCEROS UNICORNIS) IN KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM, INDIA. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 49(4), 1051. https://doi.org/10.1638/2018-0051.1