Strongylid nematodes, often asymptomatic in western lowland gorillas, are increasingly linked to gastrointestinal disease and mortality in mountain gorillas. This project investigates strongylid epidemiology, transmission pathways, and ecological and genomic dynamics across endangered gorilla populations. Following a One Health framework, we integrate parasitological, microbial, genomic, environmental, and ethnobotanical data to understand how ecological stressors and human–wildlife interactions shape infection risk. We will identify reservoirs and routes of cross-species transmission, profile co-occurring gut symbionts, and explore their role in mediating infection outcomes. Environmental DNA will reveal hotspots of parasite contamination. We will apply whole-genome sequencing to uncover host adaptations, pathogenicity mechanisms, and zoonotic potential. Finally, we will assess traditional plant-based parasite control through community interviews and gorilla dietary analysis. Results will inform conservation and sustainable parasite management.
