Arthropod parasites of elephant‐shrews, with particular reference to ticks

Elephant‐shrews from sub‐Saharan Africa are infested by a large variety of arthropod parasites including ticks, mites, fleas, lice and the larvae of a calliphorid fly. Lists of the ectoparasites recorded from these animals are presented. Of particular importance are the ixodid ticks infesting elephantshrews, as several of these can cause toxicosis, particularly paralysis in domestic animals, while others serve as important vectors of disease. Twenty‐seven ixodid tick species belonging to six genera recorded from elephant‐shrews are listed. Both host‐and tick‐dependent factors must be examined in order to determine the ecology of ticks infesting elephant‐shrews and their relationship to disease in domestic and wild animals.