Jornal de Saúde Animal e Ciência Comportamental

Propithecus Verreauxi Feeding for Anthelmintic Purpose

Abstract

Rafatro Herintsoa

Lots of scientific findings have been convinced and advanced the hypothetical ability of some animals, such Primate, to preserve daily well-being, using elements from its environment, especially plants. The aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between the behavior of one Madagascan Lemur specie, living in Berenty Private Reserve, and their observed zero gastrointestinal parasite prevalence. Behavioral monitoring was conducted on eight adult Propithecus verreauxi: consumed plants were listed/recorded/harvested, its different plant parts were extracted and subsequent chemical families were identified. Lemur stools were also drawn for coproscopy and anthelminthic biological tests of plant extracts were performed. During the tracking, thirty-two plants composed the Berenty adult Propithecus verreauxi diet. Less than half (44.73%) of its extracts exhibited an anthelminthic effect according to the biological tests on Lemurostongylus sp. and 34.21% according to scientific literatures. A proportion of 47.06% of these plant extracts contained saponins. After coprological analysis, no Berenty adult Propithecus verreauxi stool contained gastrointestinal worm, all studied parasitic parameters were zero. Extracts of Berenty Propithecus verreauxi consumed plants demonstrated anthelminthic properties on gastrointestinal parasite: in vivo zero prevalence, in vitro inhibition of hatching egg and larvae paralysis. In addition to the confirmation of zoopharmacognosy theory, these outcomes may allow a possible establishment of natural anthelmintic ingredients for captive Lemurs.