Parasite fauna of wild ungulates in Kazakhstan: current state and analysis

Abstract

This review summarizes current data on the parasite fauna of wild ungulates in Kazakhstan and provides an analysis of its structure, host associations, and contemporary trends. Wild ungulates represent an important component of biodiversity in the region, including 12 species from different taxonomic groups and ecological niches. Literature data indicate a high species richness of parasites, with a predominance of geohelminths over biohelminths and a primary localization in the digestive tract. A total of dozens of helminth species have been recorded in key host species such as saiga (Saiga tatarica), argali (Ovis ammon), maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus), roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). The parasite fauna is characterized by a complex structure and a high degree of overlap between host species. A significant proportion of parasites are shared between wild and domestic animals, indicating active exchange within natural and anthropogenically transformed ecosystems.