Hatay Dağ Ceylanları’nda (Gazella gazella) Tespit Edilen Parazitler

Abstract

The current study aimed to detect parasites in Hatay Mountain Gazelles (Gazella gazella), which are categorized as endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The present study was conducted in Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area, where 40 gazelles inhabited (30 ♀, 10 ♂), 15 of which were over three years old as well-considered adults. Fecal samples were taken from 60 fecal foci immediately after the defecation of the gazelles. Each of the fecal samples was analysed with Benedek sedimentation, Fülleborn flotation and Bearman-Wetzel methods and examined under a light microscope. In addition, Ixodid ticks were collected from an injured gazelle which was brought to Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, then were identified under the stereomicroscope. Nematodirus spp. (5/60, 8%), Marshallagia spp. (4/60, 7%), Trichostrongylus spp. (3/60, 5%) eggs, Dictiyocaulus filaria larvae (3/60, 5%) and Eimeria spp. oocysts (9/60, 15%) were determined based on the microscopic examination. Ixodid tick samples were identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus (2 ♀, 3 ♂). Thus this is the first report of the existence of parasites in Hatay Mountain Gazelles in Turkey. It is thought that skin and fecal examinations should be performed to prevent parasitic diseases in gazelles.

Helminths of captive and free‐ranging populations of the mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella): Evidence from faecal examination

“…But according to Zerek et al. ( 2022 ) as well as our own research, the rate of parasitic infection in the population of mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, is still quite low. The reliability of our results is further strong by the use of the McMaster method, a well‐established technique for quantifying parasitic infection rates (Zajac et al., 2021 ), which revealed only a small number of parasitic eggs in the examined faecal samples.…”

“…Only Zerek et al. ( 2022 ) recently investigated the parasites in captive mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, using faecal examination. They detected four gastrointestinal helminths ( Nematodirus spp., Marshallagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp.…”

“…There have not been many studies done on the helminths in the Gazella genus (Apio et al., 2013 ; Baghi et al., 2016 ; Casselino et al., 2001 ; Chertkova, 1971 ; Elsamı et al., 1981 ; Saud et al., 2012 ; Yılmaz, 2021 ; Zerek et al., 2022 ). Studies on species belonging to the genus Gazella have generally been carried out from the perspective of morphological identification of helminths, species conservation and wildlife management or pharmacology (Akramova et al., 2020 ; Eslami et al., 1980 ; Mohammed et al., 2007 ; Moreno Manas et al., 2019 ; Ortiz et al., 2006 ).…”

“…Today, G. gazella is distributed in a limited area in Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Kırıkhan district of Hatay province in Türkiye (Mallon & Kingswood, 2001;Yom-Tov, 2021). Even though the Hatay population of mountain gazelle was once connected to the Israeli population, it became an isolated population with the extinction of the Syrian population (Kankılıç et al, 2012) There have not been many studies done on the helminths in the Gazella genus (Apio et al, 2013;Baghi et al, 2016;Casselino et al, 2001;Chertkova, 1971;Elsamı et al, 1981;Saud et al, 2012;Yılmaz, 2021;Zerek et al, 2022). Studies on species belonging to the genus Gazella have generally been carried out from the perspective of morphological identification of helminths, species conservation and wildlife management or pharmacology (Akramova et al, 2020;Eslami et al, 1980;Mohammed et al, 2007;Moreno Manas et al, 2019;Ortiz et al, 2006).…”

Effects of season and sex on the concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in captive and free-ranging endangered mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella)

“…At the microenvironmental level, gazelle populations are faced with predation risk, species-specific infections, parasite infestations, and cohabitation and competition with domestic livestock. Despite some studies on genetics ( 4 , 17 ), parasite infestation ( 18 , 19 ), population status and distribution ( 20 ), and appropriate conservation planning ( 21 ), mountain gazelles are attractive and endangered mammal species and remain one of the least studied species in Türkiye. Therefore, studies addressing metabolic, endocrine and reproductive characteristics are essential to ensure the survival of this species in Türkiye.…”