Survey of endoparasites in Chelonoidis carbonarius and Chelonoidis denticulatus kept at the zoo of the Jungle Warfare Training Center (CIGS), Central Amazon.

The genus Chelonoidis tortoises are terrestrial reptiles susceptible to gastrointestinal endoparasites, mainly due to improper management. The present study aims to analyze the frequency of gastrointestinal parasites detected in samples from Chelonoidis carbonarius and Chelonoidis denticulatus, and to identify and characterize taxonomically the main parasite types. Seven samples of fresh feces were collected from enclosures at the Jungle Warfare Training Center (CIGS) Zoo in Manaus, Amazonas, and evaluated. A high frequency of intestinal endoparasites was observed, with nematode eggs from the families Ascarididae (suggestive of Angusticaecum spp.) (35.5%), Oxyurida (6.3%), and Strongylidae/Ancylostomatidae (strongylid type) (25%) being identified. Among the protozoa, oocysts of Eimeria spp. (6.3%), Cystoisospora spp. (6.3%), and Cyclospora spp. (6.3%) were detected, in addition to the trophozoite of Ciliophora (6.3%). It has been found that captive animals are prone to helminth and protozoan parasitic infections due to limited space and contact with waste, making it necessary to encourage coproparasitological analysis and studies in reptiles to ensure knowledge of diseases related to gastrointestinal parasites and promote control, prophylaxis, and treatment measures that minimize possible risks to animal and public health.