Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), despite their larger physical structure and strength, are often attacked by microorganisms, like gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality. AIMS: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of GI parasites in the endangered Asiatic elephants reared in captivity in and around Chitwan National Park in Central Nepal. METHODS: With age and sex variants, 63 fresh faecal samples (N = 63) were collected non-invasively and transferred to the research laboratory for microscopic examination. RESULTS: Our findings showed a 95.2% prevalence rate, along with 17 identified diverse species of GI parasites, including protozoa (6 spp.) and helminths (11 spp.) and two unknown species (1 protozoan and 1 helminth). The prevalence of protozoa (84.1%) was higher than that of helminths (77.8%). Female/cows and old-age elephants were reported to harbour a higher rate of parasites. Sharing overlapping niches with domestic and wild animals, irregular medication and the existence of critical stressors were speculated to be the major risks for parasitosis. CONCLUSIONS: The captive elephant population in Central Nepal harbours a greater prevalence and huge diversity of GI parasites, most of which are implicated with serious pathological conditions and zoonotic potentiality. The presence of GI parasites must be considered a challenging threat. Thus, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, elephant owners and conservationists need to participate in strategic medication and seek measures to lessen the probable health risk for sustainable conservation and welfare of the endangered species in Nepal.