Feather mites and internal parasites in small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa, Emberizidae) from the Galapagos Islands (Equador).
During a parasite survey, we collected data on the presence and distribution of feather mites, intestinal parasites, and blood parasites of small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa) from 4 islands in the Galapagos. We recorded 4 species of feather mites, with the most common species, Trouessartia geospiza, present on the majority (77% [308/400]) of individuals. Birds with high loads of T. geospiza came from larger islands and had higher body masses. We identified 3 species of intestinal Isospora (Isospora fragmenta, Isospora temeraria, and Isospora exigua) in fecal samples that showed a diurnal pattern of oocyst release. Among samples collected in the afternoon, infection prevalence was 61% (11/18), while only 0.5% (1/192) contained oocysts in the morning. We screened 40 individuals from one island (Isabela) for blood parasites using molecular markers. Although no parasites of Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, or Plasmodium were detected, a high proportion of birds (80% [32/40]) had systemic Isospora spp. infections. A high infection prevalence (74% [20/27]), but low infection intensity, was confirmed using optical microscopy. This result could either be due to the detection of a previously unidentified systemic Isospora sp. parasite, or a result of the previously described Isospora spp. parasites causing systemic infections.
Lindström
Karin M
KM
Department of Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Norbyvägen 18 D, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden. karin.lindstrom@ebc.uu.se
Dolnik
Olga
O
Yabsley
Michael
M
Hellgren
Olof
O
O'Connor
Barry
B
Pärn
Henrik
H
Foufopoulos
Johannes
J
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D049628:Body Size; D004484:Ecuador / Q000453:epidemiology; D005241:Feathers / Q000469:parasitology*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D046369:Finches / Q000469:parasitology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007549:Isospora / Q000302:isolation & purification; D021865:Isosporiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D015995:Prevalence