Investigation of the Gut Parasitic Community Composition in Manis pentadactyla and Manis javanica Based on High-throughput amplicon sequencing

The critically endangered Manis pentadactyla and Manis javanica are increasingly threatened by parasitic infections, with gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoan parasites particularly prominent. Although existing literature has documented the presence of various helminths in pangolins, including tapeworms, hookworms, and acanthocephalans, comprehensive and systematic studies on the diversity of endoparasites in these species remain limited. Therefore, investigating the parasitic diversity in M. javanica and M. pentadactyla and assessing the potential impact of these infections on host health is critical for conserving and managing these endangered species.This study systematically characterises the gastrointestinal parasitic communities in captive M. pentadactyla and M. javanica, identifying various parasite taxa. Notably, members of the phyla Apicomplexa and Nematoda were found to be dominant and likely represent the most susceptible parasitic groups in pangolins maintained under captive conditions. These findings offer valuable insights for the diagnosis, treatment, and health management of parasitic infections in pangolin conservation programs.