Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 2020

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Primate Behavior

Committee Chair

Gabrielle Stryker

Second Committee Member

Lori K. Sheeran

Third Committee Member

Kris Ernest

Fourth Committee Member

Mrinalini Watsa

Abstract

This study surveyed the intestinal helminths (parasitic worms) of Weddelli’s saddleback tamarins (Leontocebus weddelli), focusing on seasonality in parasite prevalence and richness. The collaborative study with Field Projects International took place at the Estación Biológica Rio Los Amigos (EBLA) in southeastern Peru. Fecal samples were collected by following semi-habituated groups of tamarins, yielding 16 samples in the dry season of 2015 and 11 samples in the wet season of 2015-2016. Findings were interpreted to understand trends for parasite prevalence and richness between the two seasons; however, novel helminths for the study species were observed. Trends were interpreted with consideration to the helminth’s longevity, study organisms’ home range use, and host behaviors.

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