New records of parasites in free-ranging Andean bears from Peru

• DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-14-00034.1
• Publication Date: 2015-06-11T05:52:37Z
• Authors: Judith Figueroa
• Keywords: Coccidia; Blastocystis; Dry season; Strongyloides; Giardia; Wet season

I analyzed 28 fecal samples from Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) collected between 2003 and 2007 the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge Yanachaga Chemillén National Park, Peru. used direct faeces test spontaneous sedimentation tube technique to detect cysts, ova, larvae. To intestinal coccidia, applied acid stain using Ziehl–Neelsen modified method. detected parasites in 16 scats (57.1%), identifying 3 protozoa for first time bear: Blastocystis sp., Cryptosporidium Giardia sp.; as well nematodes: Strongyloides an undetermined species of Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae. The greatest prevalence were family Strongyloididae (25.0%), followed by Ascarididae (21.4%), Cryptosporidiidae (14.3%). Parasites found a greater percentage during dry season (87.5%) compared with rainy (16.7%). Overall, 8 endoparasites 1 ectoparasite have been identified bears.