Parasites and diseases of elephants in Indonesia
| Main Authors: | Nurcahyo, Wisnu, Nursalim, TI, Wahyu, M. |
|---|---|
| Format: | Proceeding PeerReviewed application/pdf |
| Bahasa: | eng |
| Terbitan: |
, 2014
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://repository.ugm.ac.id/274569/1/proceeding%20wildlife%2C%20parasites%2C%20and%20pathogens.pdf https://repository.ugm.ac.id/274569/ |
Daftar Isi:
- Sumatran Elephant Elephas maximus sumatranus is a subspecies of the Asian Elephant. Sumatran elephant is an Indonesian endemic species with endangered status. Sumatran elephant has many threats which come from both exsitu and in situ habitat including forest convertion, habitat fragmentation and parasitic diseases as well. Injuries, parasitism, and gastrointestinal disease were reported as the most common syndromes responsible for elephant morbidity, whereas injury and infectious disease not due to parasitism were the most commonly reported sources of elephant mortality. Substandard nutrition, water quality and quantity deficiencies, and inadequate or absent shelter were among the factors listed as barriers to optimal elephant health. Parasite is an important pathogen beside virus (EEHV) and bacteria (TB). Parasitic disease becomes a serious threat to Sumatran Elephant but unfortunately basic information on parasitical biology is not available. Research on parasitic disease both in exsitu and in situ habitat is important to be conducted. The research has been conducted in situ habitat of Sumatra elephant in Bukit Tiga Puluh and Way kambas National park, Sumatra. Bukit Tigapuluh is one of the most important conservation areas in Sumatra. Forest conversion and habitat fragmentation are the main threats to elephant habitat in Bukit Tiga Puluh. Aims of this study are: to identifo the species of astrointestinal parasites, evaluate the elephant age structures, evaluate the correlation of gastrointestinal parasites intensity(egg pergram) to ages of elephants. Parasitological examination to get the prevalence data and clear image of parasite egg has been conducted by flotation and sedimentation method. McMaster is used to count the amount of egg parasite pergram feces. This study identified egg of Strongyloides sp.[highest prevalence (48%)], strongyle, [the lowest prevalence (9%)], and Fasciola sp. [intermediate prevalence (17%)). Elephant population is dominated by subadult followed by adult and juvenile. No correlation between elephants ages and intensity of parasites. In exsitu habitat the research has been conducted in Way Kambas Elephant Conservation Centre (WKECC). In WKECC elephant have infected by trematode (Paramphistomidae). Basic data of Paramphistomum sp infection in Sumatra until now is not available. In conclusion, basic husbandry and diagnostics of infectious diseases for elephants are important. Nutrition, water availability, quality, housing, minimizing human-elephant conflict for wild populations are substantial problem. Elephant health programs should be well-supported as a part of overall elephant conservation efforts in Asia. This preliminary research provides the information to improve elephant health and conservation programs in Indonesia.