Free-ranging black howler monkeys, Alouatta pigra, in southern Belize are not parasitized by Controrchis biliophilus

Abstract

Several coprological studies of Alouatta pigra, the black howler monkey, inhabiting Belize and Mexico have been published in the past several years. Trematodes, specifically Controrchis biliophilus (Dicrocoeliidae), have been detected in A. pigra from all locations in Belize and Mexico examined in those studies. A routine coprological survey of A. pigra was conducted in May and June 2010 as part of baseline data collection for an A. pigra population in Punta Gorda, Toledo District, southern Belize. The 51 fecal samples collected in this area were all negative for C. biliophilus. Subsequently, two additional fecal samples were collected from another population of A. pigra in Toledo District and 25 additional fecal samples were collected from six other areas of Belize during December 2010 and January 2011 and were examined for parasites. To date, C. biliophilus eggs have been detected in fecal samples from A. pigra inhabiting every district of Belize except Toledo District in southern Belize. This finding is notable, for no other population of A. pigra completely free of C. biliophilus infection had been located prior to this study.