AbstractThe parasite loads appear to differ widely within and between species of free ranging wild mammals. Using data on fecal propagule densities of 29 species of wild mammals from 20 wild life parks in India we tried to identify the ecological factors that are best predictors of parasite loads. Parasite loads were consistently negatively correlated with predatory pressures at both interspecific and intraspecific levels. Carnivores had higher mean parasite loads and the effect of diet and that of predatory pressure appeared to be independent of each other. No other ecological factors were significantly and consistently associated with fecal parasite loads.