PARASITES OF AMAZONIAN MANATEES IN A RESCUE CENTER IN LORETO, PERU

Ruiz P.J.W.; Gottstein M.; Sánchez B. J.J.E.; Mirle C.P.; Macedo T. F.I.; Reategui C.T. · Mastozoologia Neotropical (2024) · DOI: 10.31687/saremmn.24.31.01.23.e0970

Resumen

The Amazonian manatee, Trichechus inunguis, is the only sirenian present in freshwater rivers and is classified as a “vulnerable” species according to the IUCN. Individuals rescued from the pet trade in Peruvian Amazonia are brought to the Centro de Rescate Amazónico (CREA), rehabilitated, and released to their natural environment. Parasitic diseases can cause serious problems in the rehabilitation and release of rescued animals. In this study, entero-and hemoparasites of ten manatees in the rehabilitation facilities of the CREA in Loreto, Peru were studied. Parasites were searched in fecal and blood samples using the Willis method, Kinyoun stain, and Giemsa stain. Six species of protozoan parasites from the genera Eimeria, cf. Cy-clospora, cf. Cryptosporidium and cf. Entamoeba were observed. Helminths (six species of nematodes and one trematode) were recorded. Hemoparasites were not detected. Our results give insights into the presence of parasites in captive Amazonian manatees and should be taken into account in future rehabilitation and reintroduction processes. © SAREM, 2024.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana