A Coprological Survey of Parasites in Two Endangered Primates of Silent Valley National Park, Kerala

Information on the parasitic load of two endangered primates, Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur, inhabiting Silent Valley National Park were collected during the period 1994- 95. Parasitic load within these primate species in captivity were also ascertained and compared with that of the wild. The major intestinal parasites identified from the wild samples were Trechuris sp. and Oesophagostomum sp. The mode of transmission and the factors affecting the transmission of these parasites in the closed canopy conditions in the wild were discussed. The infection with these parasites may result in weak and unhealthy members in the troop and the heavier parasitic infestation may be fatal to the juveniles. Thus parasitism is also a threat to the viability of the existing population of endangered primates in the National Park.