Coprological survey of parasites of free-ranging jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) inhabiting 2 types of tropical forests in Mexico
- Brenda Solórzano-García 1
- Jennifer Mae White-Day 2
- Magaly Gómez-Contreras 1
- Jurgi Cristóbal-Azkárate 3
- David Osorio-Sarabia 4
- Ernesto Rodríguez-Luna 1
- 1 Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales
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2
University of Washington
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3
University of Cambridge
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4
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
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ISSN: 2007-8706, 1870-3453
Year of publication: 2017
Volume: 88
Issue: 1
Pages: 146-153
Type: Article
More publications in: Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad
Abstract
This study presents a coproparasitological survey of free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) inhabiting 2 types of tropical forest in southeastern Mexico. We examined 167 fecal samples (68 = jaguar; 33 = puma; 66 = unidentified large felids), and identified 16 parasitic taxa, 56% of which were nematodes. We compared parasite community composition and prevalence between host species and forest types, and found that parasitic communities of jaguar and puma were more similar between host species in the same forest type than among conspecific hosts inhabiting different forest types. Possible determinants for the observed patterns could include ecosystem differences and host evolutionary history, as well as disparate diet and habitat use of these 2 felines. Further studies are needed for a more accurate estimation of the parasitic community composition of these felines, and for a better comprehension of the effects that habitat perturbation could have on the ecology and transmission of parasitic diseases, and the related consequences for the conservation of wild felines.
Funding information
Funders
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Conacyt in Mexico and the Veracruz State Government
- 108990