Ectoparasites of Sumatran Elephants at Tangkahan Elephant Camp, Langkat, North Sumatra

The Sumatran Elephant Elephas maximus sumatranus is an endemic species of Indonesia, currently classified as ‘Critically Endangered’. To ensure its continued existence, conservation efforts are crucial. One of the health threats faced by Sumatran elephants is ectoparasites. The present study, conducted from January–February 2020, investigates types, prevalence, and intensity of ectoparasite infestations in Sumatran Elephants at the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) Tangkahan, Langkat, North Sumatra. Eight Sumatran Elephants were sampled, including three juveniles (4 years old) and five adults (aged 26–50 years). The research employed palpation and sweeping net methods. Sample examination was conducted at the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara. The study identified 10 species of ectoparasites from 317 specimens: Haemadipsa jeylanica, H. picta, H. pluvialis, Musca domestica, Stomoxys sp., Tabanus sp.1, Tabanus sp.2, Tabanus sp.3, Tabanus sp.4, and Tabanus sp.5. Haemadipsa jeylanica exhibited the highest prevalence at 87.5%, categorized as ‘usually,’ while Tabanus sp.4 had the lowest prevalence at 50%, categorized as ‘frequently.’ Additionally, Haemadipsa jeylanica showed the highest intensity at 6.42, categorized as ‘moderate,’ whereas Tabanus sp.5 had the lowest intensity at 3.4, categorized as ‘light.’