The costs of urban living: human–wildlife interactions increase parasite risk and self-directed behaviour in urban vervet monkeys

Abstract The urban landscape is a complex mosaic of costs and benefits for wildlife. Although many species may adapt thrive in the mosaic, complexity this can be stressful have health implications wildlife, raising concerns zoonosis biodiversity. In study, we assessed how human–primate interactions influenced parasite risk anxiety-related behaviour vervet monkeys KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Over 1 year, collected analysed faecal samples, assessing eggs per gram, richness, Shannon’s diversity index. addition, using behavioural sampling, recorded self-directed scratching behaviour, as an indicator anxiety, interactions, both positive (human-food consumption) negative (human–monkey aggression). To assess ran three models with our measures dependent variables. Results showed that human significantly increased index gram richness. Furthermore, higher rate. We also tested relationship between finding under rates incidents. Overall, results suggest there are to living increase despite food availability. Our findings important developing effective management strategies focus on cohabitation rather than conflict, benefit wildlife health.