External Parasites of Black Vulture (Gyps africanus)

Abstract

The review was aimed at recording ectoparasites of African Black Vulture (Gyps africanus). The physical examination resulted in collection of several mites and ticks. High quality images of the mites and ticks were accustomed to capture its identification through the aid of three dimensional (3D) microscopy. Further confirmations of the mites and ticks taxonomy were achieved through mites and tick research site: (www.tickspotters.org). The nymphal stage of lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and mites (Estrilda astrild) were confirmed during the study. For endoparasites, a faecal sample was collected to spot eggs and larvae through the direct smear method. Coproscopy revealed a variety of Ascarid eggs, eggs of the Strongyle group and blood smear made for blood protozoa. Ectoparasite the nymphal stage of Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and endoparasite Ascarid eggs and eggs of the Strongyle group found in direct smear but no protozoa was found in a blood smear.