Monitoring intestinal parasites in Alouatta pigra at the Lacandon forest, Chiapas

This study investigates the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Alouatta pigra inhabiting the southern region of the Lacandona forest, Chiapas, Mexico Thirty-nine fecal samples were collected from A. pigra that inhabits conserved and disturbed areas. The overall prevalence was 38.5%. Notably, disturbed areas exhibited a higher prevalence (46.2%) than conserved areas (23.1%); however, these differences were not statistically significant. The most frequently identified parasites included Controrchis sp., Strongyloides sp., Entamoeba sp., and Giardia intestinalis, with cases of polyparasitism observed exclusively in disturbed areas. These findings underscore the impact of habitat fragmentation and proximity to human settlements on the increased prevalence of parasitosis in A. pigra, potentially attributable to heightened interactions among humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation strategies that focus on protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, ongoing health monitoring of primate populations, and applying molecular techniques for accurate parasite identification and elucidation of their transmission dynamics. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating the effects of anthropogenic activity and ensuring the long-term viability of the A. pigra population.