Vol. 13, Issue 10 (2024)

Author(s):
Sejal Vala, Nishith Dharaiya, Shreyas Bhatt and Vandip Chauhan

Abstract:
Seasonal fluctuations significantly impact the prevalence of endoparasites in wildlife, with environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation playing a crucial role in the life cycles of both hosts and parasites. This study investigates the seasonal variation in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in spotted deer (Axis axis) in the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, India. Fecal samples (n=137) were collected across three seasons (monsoon, summer, and winter) and analyzed using coprological methods. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) revealed distinct seasonal trends, with parasite prevalence peaking during the monsoon, particularly for species such as Coccidia sp. and Moniezia sp. The study underscores the importance of seasonality in shaping parasite transmission dynamics, with environmental conditions favoring parasite survival and transmission during the wet season. These findings contribute to wildlife conservation strategies by highlighting the need for targeted parasite management during high-risk seasons to mitigate the impact of parasitic infections on wildlife health.