Eimeria hajeki n. sp (Apicomplexa : Eimeriidae), a new coccidian parasite of the pygmy chameleon, Rampholeon temporalis (Matschie, 1892) (Reptilia : Chamaeleonidae) from Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

Fecal samples from 10 pygmy chameleons, Rampholeon temporalis (Matschie, 18 92), an endemic species of the Usambara Mountains in northeastern Tanzania, were examined for coccidian parasites. Two (20%) chameleons were found to be passing oocysts of Eimeria Schneider. Comparison with other species of E imeria indicates that the coccidian found represents a new species. Sporula ted oocysts of Eimeria hajeki n. sp. are oval, 30.2 (29-31) by 23.5 (22-25) mum, with a shape index (length/ width) of 1.3 (1.2-1.4) and a 2-mum-thick rough, bilayered wall. Micropyle and polar granule are absent, Sporocysts are oval to rhomboidal, 10.8 (9-11.5) by 8.8 (7.5-10) mum, with a shape ind ex of 1.2 (1.15-1.3) and a wall composed of 2 valves joined by a suture.