UL scientists name parasite after Vice Chancellor

A team of scientists at the University of Limpopo’s (UL) Biodiversity Department has named a new specimen of parasite found inside the intestines of the bird during their research after the institution’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Mahlo Mokgalong.
Mediorhynchus mokgalongi was discovered by the team while examining a dead Karoo Thrush found dead in the city in 2013.
Senior Researcher Ali Halajian reportedly said they decided to name the parasite after Mokgalong to honour him for his significant contribution to the field of Parasitology and as he has written extensively in Zoology with particular interest in bird parasites. “Not many people know that Mokgalong is a qualified zoologist who did extensive research on bird parasites in the past.”
Halajian stated that Mokgalong was pleased and honoured to have the parasite named after him.
He also explained that the dead thrush had evidently not suffered physical harm and that had raised his eyebrows as a scientist.
“In collaboration with Australian counterparts the scientists revealed three new specimens of the parasite found inside the intestines of the bird. As these parasites damaged the intestines, we can conclude that the bird was probably killed by the parasites.”
Halajian believes that this discovery will add to South Africa’s fauna that boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with over 65 500 known species of which the majority are insects.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com