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Palaeoparasitology confirms Early Lapita evidence of pig and dog at Kamgot, Bismarck Archipelago

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2024

M. Horrocks Open the ORCID record for M. Horrocks [Opens in a new window] ,
G. Summerhayes  and
B. Presswell
M. Horrocks
Affiliation:
Microfossil Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand School of Environment, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
G. Summerhayes
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
B. Presswell
Affiliation:
Evolutionary and Ecological Parasitology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Abstract

Little is known about helminth parasites of the Bismarck Archipelago, in either archaeological or modern contexts. This study presents a parasitological analysis of soil samples from Early Lapita habitation layers at Kamgot (3300–3000 BP). Evidence for the presence of pigs and dogs and the timing of their arrival in Early Lapita contexts have been contested in the literature. The finding of parasite eggs in samples from Kamgot supports the presence of pigs and dogs at the site. Six types of helminth eggs were identified: pig nematode Trichuris suis, dog nematode Toxocara canis, and cestode Dipylidium caninum, as well as two unknown trematodes and a possible anoplocephalid cestode, thereby indicating the local presence of other mammals or birds. This study represents the first confirmed record of ancient helminth parasites in tropical Oceania.

Keywords

ParasiteAnoplocephalidaeToxocaraTrichurisDipylidiumhelminth
Type
Short Communication
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 98 , 2024 , e8
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press

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