Characterizing the Helminth Community of the Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766) Through DNA Metabarcoding

Understanding parasite diversity in wild and captive animal populations is vital for their individual health and ecosystem dynamics. The helminth community in mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766), particularly in the isolated northernmost population in Türkiye, remains poorly understood, posing challenges for conservation. This study aimed to identify and compare the diversity of helminths in captive and free-ranging mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, while assessing potential zoonotic risks. Methods: We collected a total of 188 fresh fecal samples from both captive and free-ranging populations. The samples were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding to assess helminth species and their species diversity across seasons. Results: Our findings revealed eight helminth taxa in Gazella gazella, including six intestinal and two lung nematodes, with four of these species previously unreported in Türkiye. We also found seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance. Conclusions: The identification of these helminth taxa highlights the value of advanced molecular techniques in uncovering parasite diversity in ungulates. Seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance, and the biological characteristics of the detected helminth species align with the climatic parameters of the seasons in which they were identified.