African elephants maintain a delicate balance between high intestinal helminth numbers and symptoms of poor health. However, calves and weaners face survival threats from damage caused by helminth infections and infestations during periods of starvation. Using coprological evaluations, we compared helminth infection patterns and selected risk factors in elephants from Tsavo and the Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem (LSE). Eggs and adult worms were identified and classified into genera using morphological and morphometric characteristics. Overall prevalence rates were high at 95.6% and 98.5% for Tsavo and Laikipia-Samburu, respectively, and 97.1% in total. Using the chi-squared test of independence, nematode prevalence rates (97.1%) were significantly different from trematodes (32.6%) (χ2(1) = 248.84, p < 0.001). Prevalence rates did not differ across age classes in the two populations. Using the Generalized Linear Model, sex had an independent significant effect on the observed mean worm burdens (F(1) = 5.842, p = 0.016, CI 95%), but neither age nor location did. However, the interaction had a significant effect on mean eggs per gram (EPGs) observed between age and location (F(1) = 14.043, p < 0.0005, CI 95%) and between age and sex (F(1) = 4.858, p = 0.028, CI 95%). Some of the identified helminth species may potentially lead to life-threatening gut mucosa hemorrhaging and ulcerations, particularly during stressful conditions, although the animals were not clinically evaluated.

Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) are critically endangered antelopes found only in Kenya’s montane forests. The need to re-establish a viable, healthy and self-sustaining population is urgent. With less than 100 individuals left in the wild and rapidly declining, the impact of endoparasites remains largely unstudied. We opportunistically collected and analyzed the fecal samples from a reintroduced- population over a two-year period using random focal sampling method. Coccidia and Strongylids as the predominant gastrointestinal parasites. Infestation levels of coccidia varied significantly by season (χ2 = 1.50.707, p < 0.01) and age group (χ2 = 2, 97.471p < 0.01. Strongylids infestation exhibited significant variation only among age groups. These results expand information on endoparasite affecting the species. Researchers and health authorities are particularly concerned about endoparasites of zoonotic significance.

Parasite–host interactions influence the success of wildlife reintroductions. The mountain bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci ) is a critically endangered antelope found only in Kenya's montane forests, with fewer than 100 remaining in the wild. It is, therefore, imperative to re‐establish a viable, healthy, and self‐sustaining population in its native habitat. We analyzed the fecal samples from a re‐established population over a two‐year period, identifying Coccidia and Strongylids as the predominant gastrointestinal parasites. Infestation levels for both were higher during the wet season than the dry season and higher during the calf age followed by sub‐adult and least at adult stage. The prevalence of both Coccidia and Strongylids differed significantly by age group, but only Coccidia differed significantly by season. Understanding variation in parasite load can assist in planning for priority interventions such as boosting nutrition, administering medication, or employing other methods to counter high‐risk season and age group infections. Our study also contributed to understanding differences in survival rates and shed light on how these are related to parasite load. Results emphasize the need to conduct more studies on the bongo, its habitat, and drivers of parasite load species sharing the ecosystem.