Journal of Biology and Nature

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of ecto- and endoparasitic infections in wild hares (Lepus nigricollis) from the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 24 hares, collected over a ten-year period from 2014 to 2024, were subjected to post-mortem and external examinations to assess parasitic load. Of these, 75% (18/24) were found to harbor one or more parasites. Five major parasitic taxa were identified: Trichuris leporis, Eimeria spp., Haemaphysalis spp., Cheyletiella spp., and Ctenocephalides canis. Ectoparasites were observed in 11 hares (45.8%), with Haemaphysalis spp. ticks being the most common (25%), followed by C. canis (16.7%) and Cheyletiella spp. mites (12.5%). Endoparasitic infections were more prevalent, detected in 14 hares (58.3%), with T. leporis present in 37.5% and Eimeria spp. in 25% of individuals. Co-infections involving multiple parasite types were recorded in 25% of cases, particularly combinations of T. leporis with either Haemaphysalis spp. or Eimeria spp. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) for the parasite community was calculated at 1.43, indicating moderate parasite diversity. These findings suggest significant health impacts on wild hares, with potential consequences for host fitness, population dynamics, and interspecies parasite transmission. The study underscores the importance of routine parasitological surveillance and a One Health approach in regions where wildlife, livestock, and humans share overlapping habitats.