SUMMARYCross-species infection among humans, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and baboons (Papiospp.) is potentially a significant public health issue in Africa, and of concern in the conservation ofP. troglodytes. However, to date, no statistical comparisons have been made between the prevalence, richness and composition of parasite communities in sympatric populations of baboons andP. troglodytes. We compared parasite communities in sympatricP. troglodytesandPapio papioliving in a wilderness

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... , in the Republic of Senegal, West Africa. We asked whether, in the absence of humans, there are significant differences between these hosts in their interactions with gastrointestinal parasites. We tested whether host, location, or time of collection accounted for variation in prevalence, richness and community composition, and compared prevalence across six studies. We concluded that, despite being closely related, there are significant differences between these two hosts with respect to their parasite communities. At our study site, prevalence ofBalantidium, TrichurisandWatsoniuswas higher inP. papio. Papio papioharboured more parasites per host, and we found evidence of a positive association betweenTrichurisandBalantidiuminP. troglodytesbut notP. papio.