Gastrointestinal parasite community in the critically endangered West African lion

A comparative analysis of gastrointestinal parasite communities in West African lions, particularly those in the critically endangered W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) population, reveals lower species richness than previously observed in Southern and East African lion populations. The study identified at least five distinct parasite species from fecal samples collected in Burkina Faso and Niger, using fecal flotation and sedimentation tests. This finding suggests potential impacts on lion health and resilience due to prey depletion and habitat fragmentation, emphasizing the need for further research into the ecological and conservation implications of these parasites.

Kruszka, S., & Harris, N. C. (2020). Gastrointestinal parasite community in the critically endangered West African lion. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.09.136176