Study analyzes danger of parasites to Bengal tigers in South Asia
A typical roundworm measures roughly 2.7% of the average length of a Bengal tiger or weighs just three-millionths of one percent of the largest of the world’s big cats. Though these parasites do not pose a major threat to Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris), researchers across South Asia, the cat’s native range, warn that parasitic infections […]
Roundworms, typically measuring 2.7% of a Bengal tiger's length, present a silent threat to the endangered species in South Asia. Researchers across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh warn that parasitic infections can prove fatal when Bengal tigers are already weakened by poor nutrition, injury, or other diseases. The Bengal tiger is listed as endangered by the IUCN, with Bangladesh classifying it as critically endangered.
Bangladeshi researchers analyzing fecal samples from the Sundarbans mangrove forest detected the highest parasite infection rate in Bengal tigers. According to a study published by the Bangladesh Forest Department in July, Bengal tigers had an 85.3% infection rate, followed by rhesus monkeys at 84.9%, deer at 73.6%, and wild pigs at 66.7%. The researchers emphasized keeping the mangrove forest away from human interference, as the most crucial recommendation.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
