Parasite Threat to Panda Conservation

Abstract

The giant panda is a global symbol of wildlife conservation that is threatened by historic and current habitat loss. Despite a great deal of research on the physiology, reproductive biology, and diet of pandas in the wild and in captivity, there is little information on wild panda mortality. Here we integrate previously unavailable data on the mortality of wild pandas. We report on three recent phases of panda mortality: deaths due to bamboo flowering in the 1970s and 1980s, surprisingly extensive poaching in the 1980s and 1990s, and a parasitic infection over the past few years. Our analyses suggest that the current most significant threat to wild panda survival is disease due to extraintestinal migration (visceral larval migrans) by an ascarid nematode. We demonstrate that the probability of death of wild pandas being caused by this disease increased significantly between 1971 and 2005 and discuss the possible factors leading to the emergence of this disease.

Gastro Intestinal Parasites of Musk Deer (Moschus Chryso-Gaster Hodgson, 1839) in Langtang National Park, Nepal

“…In particular, parasitic prevalence in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulata), Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), red panda (Ailurus fulgens), interaction of red panda and livestock and crossinfection of Schistosoma between elephant and rhinoceros are reported (Jha et al 2011, Byanju et al 2011, Devkota et al 2012, Shrestha & Bindari 2013, Tachibana et al 2013, Pokheral & Maharjan 2014, Lama et al 2015, Sharma et al 2016. These studies opened the possibilities of conservation threats to wild animals in Nepal from parasites related mortalities reported elsewhere in red wolf (Canis rufus), grey wolf (C. lupus), wolverine (Gulo gulo), brown bear (Ursus arctos), primates, and giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) (Custer & Pence 1981, Phillips & Scheck1991, Chapman et al 2006, Morner et al 2005, Zhang et al 2008. So far, we do not have any baseline data of parasitic prevalence in globally threatened rare species-the musk deer of Nepal.…”

“…The role of parasites in wildlife population decline is not well documented. However, parasites occurrence, mode of infection and possible impacts in wildlife are documented, mostly using samples from dead animals and from zoo samples (Polley 2005, Zhang et al 2008, Bertelsen et al 2010, De Craeye et al 2011, Veronesi et al 2016. In Nepal, only few baseline surveys on wildlife are documented so far on parasite prevalence and interaction with livestock.…”

First parasitological survey of Endangered Bornean elephants Elephas maximus borneensis

“…Giant panda, a flagship for wildlife conservation, provide a stark illustration of how parasites can affect species survival. Currently, the most significant threat to wild panda is nematode parasite infection (Zhang et al 2008).…”

Molecular Diagnosis ofBaylisascaris schroederiInfections in Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Feces Using PCR

“…When heavy infections or heterotopic parasitism occurs, the roundworms can cause intestinal obstruction, inflammation, and death (Loeffler et al, 2006). Currently, B. schroederi infections are widespread in wild and captive giant pandas, with an estimated prevalence of infection of 50 to 100% (Zhang et al, 2008). Primary and secondary infections with B. schroederi are one of the leading causes of death in giant pandas.…”

“…Baylisascaris schroederi is the most common intestinal nematode in wild and captive giant pandas (Zhang et al, 2008). At the adult stage, this parasite usually inhabits the small intestine of the giant panda and can cause severe baylisascariasis (Zhang et al, 2008).…”