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Parasites of Wild Howlers (Alouatta spp.)

International Journal of Primatology volume 19, pages 493–512 (1998)Cite this article

Abstract

A literature review of howler parasites provides the basis for an overview of the ecological significance of parasite surveys in primates. Within this framework, we have added insights into the interactions between primate hosts and their parasites from a long-term study in Costa Rica. We collected fecal samples from mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) over a 9-year period (1986–1994 inclusive) and analyzed them for parasite eggs, larvae, cysts, and oocysts. We found many misperceptions inherent in the typical methodology of primate parasite surveys and in the reporting of the findings. Our work in Costa Rica suggests that a snapshot effect occurs with most surveys. A static view does not reflect the dynamic and changing ecological interaction between host and parasite. We describe some problems with parasite data analyses that emphasize the need for long-term longitudinal surveys in wild primate groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina, 28804

    Michael Stuart, Vickie Pendergast, Susan Rumfelt, Suzanne Pierberg & Lisa Greenspan

  2. Department of Biological Anthropology & Anatomy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27706

    Kenneth Glander

  3. Tulane Regional Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana

    Margaret Clarke

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  1. Michael Stuart
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  2. Vickie Pendergast
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  3. Susan Rumfelt
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  4. Suzanne Pierberg
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  6. Kenneth Glander
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  7. Margaret Clarke
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Stuart, M., Pendergast, V., Rumfelt, S. et al. Parasites of Wild Howlers (Alouatta spp.). International Journal of Primatology 19, 493–512 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020312506375

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020312506375

  • primates
  • parasites
  • survey
  • Costa Rica
  • Alouatta