Absence of Endoparasites in Long-Billed Vultures (Gyps indicus) in Bundelkhand Region, India

Authors

  • Kushwaha Sonika Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India
  • Kanaujia Amita Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India

Keywords:

Vultures, endoparasites, carcasses, helminthes

Abstract

Long-billed Vultures (Gyps indicus) are found in many protected and unprotected areas of Bundelkhand Region, but relatively diminutive studies do not illustrate the factors that may pessimistically impact their populations. This species was therefore surveyed for various factors that may influence the health of wild raptors and study of endoparasites was one of these factors. During 2007–2012, carcasses of 16 vultures were found. Out of these 9 dead vultures and 1 live juvenile were examined for endoparasites. Rest of the carcasses were decomposed hence could not be examined. At necropsy, the samples were methodologically observed for the endoparasites in viscera, liver, trachea, heart and other body organs. The faecal matter of the live juvenile was examined microscopically but no protozoan or helminthes infection (trematodes, nematodes and cestodes) was reported. Helminthes were absent in all the carcasses. Death due to helminthiasis can only be in the case of heavy infestation. Moreover the absence of helminthes reflects the feeding habits of vultures i.e. they are scavengers rather than predators and scavenge on dead cattle. The intermediate hosts required for trematodes do not form a part of the vulture food chain, the only doubt being the presence of cestodes and nematodes. No vulture sample represented any clinical signs that could be associated with the presence of parasites, fighting behavior being the main cause of deaths.

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References

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Published

2015-03-30

How to Cite

Kushwaha Sonika, & Kanaujia Amita. (2015). Absence of Endoparasites in Long-Billed Vultures (Gyps indicus) in Bundelkhand Region, India. International Journal of Life Sciences, 3(1), 39–42. Retrieved from https://ijlsci.in/ls/index.php/home/article/view/1205

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2015): International Journal of Life Sciences

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2015 Authors

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