Parasite Fauna of the Persian Gazelle (Gazella Subgutturosa Guldenstadt, 1780)

The article presents data from studies on intestinal parasites of Persian gazelles in the Altyn-Emel State National Natural Park. In the Park, Persian gazelles were found to have 6 parasite species including 1 eimeria species, E. elegans, 1 cestode species, Avitellina centripunctata, and 4 nematode species, Setaria labiatopapillosa, Nematodirus gazellae, Nematodirella gazellae and Trichocephalus skrjabini. The eimeria infection rate in Persian gazelles was 37.5%, with the infection intensity of 11±3 oocysts. 12.5% of the Persian gazelles were infected with Avitellina; two cestode eggs were found from each animal. Nematodiruses infected 25.0% of the animals; the nematode infection intensity was 19±7 eggs. Nematodirella also infected 25.0% of the Persian gazelles, but the invasion intensity was less than 7±2 eggs. The trichocephalian infection was 37.5% in the animals with the infection intensity of 9±3 eggs. Twenty-three setaria specimens were found on serous membranes of the intestine, liver, pancreas, and diaphragm. Eimeria (Eimeria elegans) is strictly specific and only parasitizes on Persian gazelles. Cestodes (Avitellina centripunctata) and nematodes (Setaria labiatopapillosa, Nematodirus gazellae, Nematodirella gazellae, Trichocephalus skrjabini) are not specific species; they are found in other wild and domestic animals. The role of the Persian gazelle in the spread of helminthiasis in livestock animals is insignificant. Firstly, the number of Persian gazelles is limited; they live in hard-to-reach limited pasture areas and do not make continuous migrations. Secondly, the helminth fauna in Persian gazelles is poorer as compared to the helminth fauna in domestic animals.