INTESTINAL PARASITE BURDEN IN 5 TROOPS OF OLIVE BABOONS (PAPIO-CYNOCEPHALUS-ANUBIS) IN GOMBE-STREAM-NATIONAL-PARK, TANZANIA

A cross-sectional parasitological study of a population of wild olive baboons (Papio cynacephalus anubis), consisting of 5 troops, was condu cted in Gombe Stream National Park. Baboons were individually recogniz able. Information on age, sex, troop membership, reproductive status, social rank and life-history of each individual baboon could be relate d to parasite infection. Seven helminth taxa and 2 protozoan taxa were found. All baboons were parasitized by at least 1 taxon. Distribution s of helminths were aggregated among hosts. There were significant dif ferences among troops in the prevalence of all but 2 of the recorded h elminths. Age had a significant impact on the prevalence and intensity of Strongyloides sp. No significant effect of sex on the prevalence o f infection could be detected. There was some indication that female r eproductive status was related to Trichuris egg output. In contrast to a previous study, no significant correlations between parasite infect ion and social rank could be found. Troop membership constituted the p redominant factor contributing to heterogeneity of prevalence of infec tion. This suggests that spatial location and/or genetics may be impor tant in determining levels of parasite infection.