Preliminary Report of the Gastrointestinal Helminths of Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae) in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract

When colonizing new areas, invasive alien species (IAS) have the potential to introduce parasites, which may be perilous to native species. In the Philippines, however, parasite communities of IAS have received little attention. Here, we provide the first report of the gastrointestinal helminths parasitizing Rhinella marina, one of the most common and widespread IAS anurans in the Philippines. A total of 318 individuals of helminths classified as trematodes (Glypthelmins sp. and Mesocoelium sp.) and nematodes (Falcaustra sp. and Physaloptera sp.) were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of 31 out of 67 individuals (46%) of R. marina collected from four selected urban green spaces within Metro Manila. Glypthelmins sp. was the most prevalent (P = 20.9%), dominant (D = 62.3%), and had the highest mean intensity (14.1 ± 15.9) among the identified helminths. Our results contribute knowledge on diversity and infection patterns of gastrointestinal helminths associated with the invasive toad R. marina in the Philippines. Further studies are needed to investigate the helminth fauna of other IAS anurans present in the country and to accurately assess the possible transmission of these parasites between colonizers and native species of anurans.