Gastrointestinal helminths found in the three freshwater turtles (Erymnochelys madagascariensis, Pelomedusa subrufa and Pelusios castanoides) from Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar

Abstract

We conducted a survey of the presence, prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in faecal samples and stomach contents of three turtle species, - Erymnochelys madagascariensis (Chelonia: Podocnemididae), Pelomedusa subrufa and Pelusios castanoides (Chelonia: Pelomedusidae), - from several localities in Madagascar. Four nematode species were detected: Atractis chabaudi, Camallanus chelonius, Falcaustra pelusios, and Spiroxys sp. E. madagascariensis, with all four species, had the greatest helminth diversity. A. chabaudi was the community's core species, whereas Spiroxys sp. was a satellite species. Only two species (A. chabaudi and Spiroxys sp.) were found in P. subrufa and only one, Spiroxys sp., in P. castanoides. These are the first helminthological data on E. madagascariensis, one of the most threatened freshwater turtles in the world. © 2007 Parasitological Institute of SAS.