Parasitic fauna of captive snakes in Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

To study the parasitic fauna on serpentines under captive condition in zoological park of Tamilnadu, India. Fecal samples were collected from (n = 247) serpentines, Arignar Anna Zoological Park (n = 22), Vandalur, Tamilnadu, India and Snake Park (n = 27), Guindy, Tamilnadu, India and screened for endoparasites using sedimentation techniques. Ectoparasites were also reported in this study. Coprological examination (n = 247) from captive snakes (n = 49) on random analysis revealed strongyles were predominant in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur and Snake Park, Guindy, however the parasites were absent in king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah). Eggs of Capillaria sp. showed less predominance in Vandalur and Gunidy. Rat snakes [Ptyas mucosus (P. mucosus)] showed higher prevalence of strongyle infection in Vandalur, and Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) showed higher prevalence in Guindy. Study on ectoparasites revealed Aponomma gerviasii ticks in P. mucosus, Indian cobras (Naja naja), king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), reticulated pythons (Python reticulates) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), among them, the most heavy infestation was documented in P. mucosus (n = 9). Confinement favour stress and dysecdysis in captive condition affect the health status of snakes in zoological park.