Infestation with protostrongylids of the Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica, Bolkey 1925) in Rila National Park, Bulgaria: preliminary data

Y. Yankov, D. Georgiev, P. Iliev, A. Tonev, S. Arangelov, K. Valchev, D. Panayotov and S. Peeva

Abstract: A total of 109 fecal samples were collected from May to September, 2020 in the area of Rila National Park Bulgaria. The samples were processed by flotation technique using saturated sodium chloride (sp. gr. 1.20), routine sedimentation method, Baermann’s method and larval cultivation. In a total of 59 samples (54.12%) representatives of the family Protostrongylidae were found. The larvae found belong to four genera. The predominant infestations were with Muellerius spp. presented in 35.78% of the studied samples followed by Cystocaulus spp.– in 34.86%, respectively. The genus Protostrongylus was present in 7.34% of the samples, and Neostrongylus – 3.67%. Research on protostrongylid infestation of the Balkan chamois in the area of Rila National Park was carried out for the first time in Bulgaria.

Keywords: environmental factors; pastures; Protostrongylidae; Rupicapra rupicapra

Date published: 2022-06-24