Endopatasites infection of the captive sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah / Arfina Zulaikha Arif Yasin

Sun bear is one of the vulnerable species in Sabah and Helarctos malayanus species is the smallest one. The aim of the study is to identify the type of endoparasites in Sun bear via faecal sample and to determine the prevalence rate of endoparasites in Sun bear. Twenty-one faecal samples were collected from the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and examined by direct smear, faecal floatation and McMaster method. The detected endoparasites were Taenia saginata (57.14%), Pentorchis arkteios (42.86%), Baylisascaris transfuga (85.71%), Baylisascaris multipapillata (85.71%)), Ancylostoma caninum (71.43%), Arthrocephalus lotoris (57.14%), Molineus barbatus (71.43%), and Ermeria albertensis (28.57%). Risk factors for infection with endoparasites in sun bears were identified to be faecal oral transmission and also contagious diseases. Thus, male and adult sun bears showed highest mean eggs per gram where B. transfuga and B. multipapillata were most prevalent. In conclusion, the captive sun bear in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was infected with potential zoonotic parasites which is B. transfuga and B. multipapillata.