Ecto- and endoparasites of introduced gemsbok in the Orange Free State

The gemsbok, Oryx gazella, is an introduced species in the Orange Free State. Two antelope were shot each month in the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve from February 1987 to January 1988 in order to determine their parasitic burdens. Although none of the gemsbok harboured large burdens, nine ixodid tick species, two louse species, 17 nematode species and a cestode species were recovered. Margaropus winthemi, which was mainly present from July to September, was the most abundant tick, followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi; which showed no clear pattern of seasonal abundance. Young antelope harboured significantly greater numbers of the sucking louse Linognathus oryx than did older animals. Trichostrongylus falculatus was the most numerous nematode, followed by Cooperia fuelleborni. No pattern of seasonal abundance was evident for any of the helminths. Die gemsbok Oryx gazella is 'n uitheemse spesie in die Oranje-Vrystaat. Twee gemsbokke is op 'n maandelikse basis in die Willem Pretoriuswildtuin vanaf Februarie 1987 tot Januarie 1988 versamel ten einde hul parasietladings te bepaal. Alhoewel geen individu besondere hoë ladings gehad het nie is nege verskillende skildbosluisspesies, twee luisspesies, 17 rondewurmspesies en 'n lintwurmspesie herwin. Margaropus winthemi, wat hoofsaaklik vanaf Julie tot September op die bokke voorgekom het, was die volopste, gevolg deur Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, wat geen duidelike seisoenale voorkoms getoon het nie. Jong bokke het betekenisvol meer bloedsuiende luise Linognathus oryx vergeleke met ouer bokke gehuisves. Trichostrongylus falculatus gevolg deur Cooperia fuelleborni was die volopste rondewurms. Geen patroon van seisoenale voorkoms is deur enige van die helminte getoon nie.