Helminths of small carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) from a Tropical Dry Forest in the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

Among the least explored yet highly relevant aspects of wildlife health are host-endoparasite interactions, particularly those involving helminths with zoonotic potential. Carnivores are known reservoirs of several such parasites. This study investigates the diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in small carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora) inhabiting a tropical dry forest ecosystem in the Colombian Caribbean. A total of 60 fecal samples were collected from five species-Cerdocyon thous, Leopardus pardalis, Procyon spp., Eira barbara, and Puma yagouaroundi-within the Sanguaré Natural Reserve (Sucre, Colombia) and subjected to parasitological analysis. Eleven nematode taxa, two trematode taxa, and three forms morphologically consistent with cestodes were identified. Overall, 56.7% of the samples tested positive for at least one helminth species. The most prevalent parasite was Spirometra sp. (20%), followed by Strongyloides sp. (18%) and Toxocara sp. (13%). Notably, this study constitutes the first report of gastrointestinal helminths in Procyon spp. and Eira barbara in wild populations in Colombia. The detection of Spirometra sp. and Toxocara sp.-both genera with known zoonotic representatives-underscores the importance of monitoring parasitic infections in wild carnivores to better evaluate the potential risk of spillover to domestic animals and humans.