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Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, DiGeronimo PM, Ward E, Noden B, De Luca F, Fanelli E, Valenzano D, Lia RP, Otranto D. Into the large ears: otitis externa associated with nematodes, mites, and bacteria in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:87. [PMID: 36879281 PMCID: PMC9987081 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), which is an endangered species, harbors several parasites. Among the ectoparasites that it harbors, ear mites of the genus Loxanoetus have the potential to cause external otitis, an inflammation that may also be associated with the presence of other microorganisms. We assessed the relationships between ear mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, and cocci sampled from the ears of captive Asian elephants in Thailand. In addition, we discuss the possibility that dust-bathing behavior may be triggered by ear mite infestation, and that this in turn may lead to contamination of the ears with soil microorganisms. METHODS Legally owned captive Asian elephants (n = 64) were sampled. Ear swabs were individually collected from both ears and microscopically examined for the presence of mites, nematodes, yeast, bacterial rods, cocci, and host cells. Mites and nematodes were identified to species level using morphological and molecular methods. RESULTS Loxanoetus lenae mites were present in 43.8% (n = 28/64) of the animals (19 animals with mites in one ear and nine animals with mites in both ears). Nematodes of the genus Panagrolaimus were detected in 23.4% (n = 15/64) of the animals (10 with nematodes in one ear and five with nematodes in both ears). In adult elephants (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0278) and female elephants (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0107), the presence of nematodes in both ears was significantly associated with the presence of mites. In addition, higher categorical burdens of nematodes were also significantly associated with the presence of mites (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0234) and epithelial cells (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0108), and marginally significantly associated with bacterial cocci (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0499). CONCLUSIONS The presence of L. lenae mites in the ear canals of the Asian elephants was significantly associated with the occurrence of other microorganisms, such as soil nematodes, bacteria and yeasts. The presence of mites in their ears may increase the dust-bathing behavior of elephants which, if confirmed, represents a further paradigmatic example of a parasitic infestation affecting animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erica Ward
- Wildlife and Animal Welfare Institute, Wrentham, MA, USA
| | - Bruce Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Francesca De Luca
- Institute for the Sustainable Protection of Plants, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Fanelli
- Institute for the Sustainable Protection of Plants, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Valenzano
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Xu W, Li X, Wang Q, Zhang C, Yang M, Zhou T, Li K, Zhang D. Insights into the Antennal Characteristics and Olfactory Strategy of the Endangered Rhino Stomach Bot Fly Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae). INSECTS 2022; 13:889. [PMID: 36292837 PMCID: PMC9604252 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae) is a rare obligate intestinal parasite of both white and black rhinoceroses, which can induce severe myiasis, cause secondary infection, and lead to enormous economic and scientific loss. Antennae are the main sensory organs of G. rhinocerontis, which may have evolved a series of specialized adaptive structures to facilitate the exploitation of their hosts. Here, we thoroughly examine the antennae of G. rhinocerontis via light and scanning electron microscopy. Only microtrichia and chaetic sensilla were observed on the scape and pedicel, and the latter is enlarged, half-enveloping the postpedicel. Four types of sensilla (trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, and clavate sensilla) and sensory pits are detected on the postpedicel. A set of coeloconic sensilla and a chaetic sensillum are located on the arista. Distribution, type, size, and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla are presented. The antennae of G. rhinocerontis are the largest among Oestridae species, with the most sensilla and the most sensory pits. These antennal characteristics could be correlated to their adaptation for more sensitive and accurate olfactory organs, used to locate their rare and endangered hosts. Accordingly, this morphological evidence supports that the host is an important driving factor in the diversity of antennal morphology in the bot flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Minghai Yang
- Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tongshan Zhou
- Yantai City Garden Construction and Maintenance Center, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
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Li XY, Pape T, Zhang D. Taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of the bumblebee bot flies (Oestridae: Hypodermatinae: Portschinskia). Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The first phylogenetic study of Portschinskia is presented based on 42 adult morphological characters scored for all 11 species, including four new species Portschinskia burmensis sp. nov., Portschinskia sichuanensis sp. nov., Portschinskia xizangensis sp. nov. and Portschinskia yunnanensis sp. nov.Portschinskia luliangensis is established as a junior synonym of Portschinskia magnifica. Monophyly of Portschinskia is strongly supported by nine non-homoplasious synapomorphies. All cladograms resolve P. yunnanensis as a basal taxon and a well-resolved Portschinskia gigas clade {P. gigas + ((Portschinskia bombiformis + (P. burmensis + (P. magnifica + P. xizangensis))) + (Portschinskia himalayana + (Portschinskia przewalskyi + P. sichuanensis)))}. The only topological difference is Portschinskia loewii and Portschinskia neugebaueri either being sister taxa or branching off successively at the base of the P. gigas clade. Three colour-pattern types are recognized, with the yellow-tailed pattern optimized as the ancestral state. Our data show that the modal colour pattern of Portschinskia species is the same as in bumblebees, and a regional correlation in species diversity and colour patterns can be detected between sympatric Portschinskia and Bombus species. As a result, we suggest that colour patterns of Portschinskia can be explained as Batesian mimicry tracking locally dominant bumblebees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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4
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Evolutionary insights into bot flies (Insecta: Diptera: Oestridae) from comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genomes. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 149:371-380. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Li XY, Pape T, Zhang D. Gasterophilus flavipes (Oestridae: Gasterophilinae): A horse stomach bot fly brought back from oblivion with morphological and molecular evidence. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220820. [PMID: 31404100 PMCID: PMC6690546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of Gasterophilus Leach are obligate parasites in domestic and wild equids and responsible for cosmopolitan gasterophilosis. Although with only eight species known so far, they have received considerable attention because of their significant veterinary and economic importance. Surprisingly, we found that G. flavipes (Olivier) is a valid species based on morphological characters from male, female and the egg, after spending half a century as a synonym of G. haemorrhoidalis (Linnaeus). In the present study, G. flavipes, G. haemorrhoidalis and G. inermis (Brauer), which are the three closely related species possessing a remarkable mixture of shared morphological characters, are diagnosed and comparatively redescribed; the key to separate adults and eggs are provided, together with a series of high-resolution photographs from all the body parts. COI barcodes do not allow for a separation of G. flavipes, G. haemorrhoidalis and G. inermis, but showed a closer relationship between G. flavipes and G. haemorrhoidalis than the other two combinations, which is consistent with the morphological evidence. Geographically, G. flavipes seems to be common and widespread in the warmer parts of the Palaearctic region. Thus, the epidemiology of gasterophilosis where G. flavipes is known or supposed to occur calls for a more careful veterinarian re-assessment. A decline in the populations of Gasterophilus spp. has been noticed in Europe, but all seven Palaearctic species of Gasterophilus appear to maintain stable populations in Xinjiang (China), which may be explained by a higher biodiversity of equids and less use of anti-parasitic treatments in Xinjiang than in Europe. Our study shows that morphological characters still provide the solid backbone in classification of Gasterophilus at species-level, and updated diagnoses and a key is provided to distinguish G. flavipes, G. haemorrhoidalis and G. inermis, and to facilitate studies of epidemiology, phylogeny and host-parasite co-evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Wang T, Xie Y, Zheng Y, Wang C, Li D, Koehler AV, Gasser RB. Parasites of the Giant Panda: A Risk Factor in the Conservation of a Species. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 29530307 PMCID: PMC7103118 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The giant panda, with an estimated population size of 2239 in the world (in 2015), is a global symbol of wildlife conservation that is threatened by habitat loss, poor reproduction and limited resistance to some infectious diseases. Of these factors, some diseases caused by parasites are considered as the foremost threat to its conservation. However, there is surprisingly little published information on the parasites of the giant panda, most of which has been disseminated in the Chinese literature. Herein, we review all peer-reviewed publications (in English or Chinese language) and governmental documents for information on parasites of the giant pandas, with an emphasis on the intestinal nematode Baylisascaris schroederi (McIntosh, 1939) as it dominates published literature. The purpose of this chapter is to: (i) review the parasites recorded in the giant panda and describe what is known about their biology; (ii) discuss key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and control of key parasites that are reported to cause clinical problems and (iii) conclude by making some suggestions for future research. This chapter shows that we are only just 'scratching the surface' when it comes to parasites and parasitological research of the giant panda. Clearly, there needs to be a concerted research effort to support the conservation of this iconic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Yue Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Youle Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengdong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Ya'an, Sichuan, China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Ya'an, Sichuan, China
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Thompson RA, Lymbery AJ, Godfrey SS. Parasites at Risk – Insights from an Endangered Marsupial. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:12-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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8
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Ash A, Elliot A, Godfrey S, Burmej H, Abdad MY, Northover A, Wayne A, Morris K, Clode P, Lymbery A, Thompson RCA. Morphological and molecular description of Ixodes woyliei n. sp. (Ixodidae) with consideration for co-extinction with its critically endangered marsupial host. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:70. [PMID: 28173840 PMCID: PMC5296950 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1997-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Taxonomic identification of ticks obtained during a longitudinal survey of the critically endangered marsupial, Bettongia penicillata Gray, 1837 (woylie, brush-tailed bettong) revealed a new species of Ixodes Latrielle, 1795. Here we provide morphological data for the female and nymphal life stages of this novel species (Ixodes woyliei n. sp.), in combination with molecular characterisation using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). In addition, molecular characterisation was conducted on several described Ixodes species and used to provide phylogenetic context. Results Ixodes spp. ticks were collected from the two remaining indigenous B. penicillata populations in south-western Australia. Of 624 individual B. penicillata sampled, 290 (47%) were host to ticks of the genus Ixodes; specifically I. woyliei n. sp., I. australiensis Neumann, 1904, I. myrmecobii Roberts, 1962, I. tasmani Neumann, 1899 and I. fecialis Warburton & Nuttall, 1909. Of these, 123 (42%) were host to the newly described I. woyliei n. sp. In addition, 268 individuals from sympatric marsupial species (166 Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus Wagner, 1855 (brushtail possum), 89 Dasyurus geoffroii Gould, 1841 (Western quoll) and 13 Isoodon obesulus fusciventer Gray, 1841 (southern brown bandicoot)) were sampled for ectoparasites and of these, I. woyliei n. sp. was only found on two I. o. fusciventer. Conclusions Morphological and molecular data have confirmed the first new Australian Ixodes tick species described in over 50 years, Ixodes woyliei n. sp. Based on the long-term data collected, it appears this tick has a strong predilection for B. penicillata, with 42% of Ixodes infections on this host identified as I. woyliei n. sp. The implications for this host-parasite relationship are unclear but there may be potential for a future co-extinction event. In addition, new molecular data have been generated for collected specimens of I. australiensis, I. tasmani and museum specimens of I. victoriensis Nuttall, 1916, which for the first time provides molecular support for the subgenus Endopalpiger Schulze, 1935 as initially defined. These genetic data provide essential information for future studies relying on genotyping for species identification or for those tackling the phylogenetic relationships of Australian Ixodes species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Ash
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
| | - Aileen Elliot
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Stephanie Godfrey
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Halina Burmej
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.,Environmental and Emerging Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Amy Northover
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Adrian Wayne
- Science and Conservation Division, Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife, Manjimup, WA, 6258, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Science and Conservation Division, Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife, Woodvale, WA, 6946, Australia
| | - Peta Clode
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Alan Lymbery
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
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Leitner N, Schwarzmann L, Zittra C, Palmieri N, Eigner B, Otranto D, Glawischnig W, Fuehrer HP. Morphological and molecular identification of nasopharyngeal bot fly larvae infesting red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Austria. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4417-4422. [PMID: 27492199 PMCID: PMC5566181 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal myiases are caused by larvae of bot flies (Diptera: Oestridae), which have evolved a high specificity for their hosts. Bot flies (n = 916) were collected from 137 (57.6 %) out of 238 red deer (Cervus elaphus) hunted in Vorarlberg and Tyrol (Western Austria). After being stored in 75 % ethanol, larvae were identified to species level and developmental stage using morphological and morphometric keys. Larvae were also molecularly characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and partial sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Morphological and molecular analysis allowed identification of larvae as Cephenemyia auribarbis and Pharyngomyia picta. Genetic variations were also examined within the specimens collected in both geographical locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Leitner
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laurin Schwarzmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Zittra
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Eigner
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. Prov. Casamassima km3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Walter Glawischnig
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Innsbruck, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd. (AGES), Technikerstrasse 70, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Co-extinct and critically co-endangered species of parasitic lice, and conservation-induced extinction: should lice be reintroduced to their hosts? ORYX 2014. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605313000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe co-extinction of parasitic taxa and their host species is considered a common phenomenon in the current global extinction crisis. However, information about the conservation status of parasitic taxa is scarce. We present a global list of co-extinct and critically co-endangered parasitic lice (Phthiraptera), based on published data on their host-specificity and their hosts’ conservation status according to the IUCN Red List. We list six co-extinct and 40 (possibly 41) critically co-endangered species. Additionally, we recognize 2–4 species that went extinct as a result of conservation efforts to save their hosts. Conservationists should consider preserving host-specific lice as part of their efforts to save species.
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Adhesive attachments of the endangered botfly, Portschinskia magnifica (Diptera: Oestridae). Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3795-800. [PMID: 25060318 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Portschinskia magnifica (Diptera: Oestridae) is an endangered subcutaneous parasitic fly that is mainly distributed in Eurasia. The external morphology of the main adhesive attachments that include the pretarsus and tarsus is studied using scanning electron microscopy. Two types of tenent setae that are characterised as spoon-like tip and pointed-like tip, which can increase the contact points for attachment to a surface, are described in this study. Hairs around the bristle of the empodium in P. magnifica are much denser than those of other flies, and thus, we proposed that the dense hairs around the empodium may be a more efficient way to perform the sensory function. Compared with saprophagous flies that are reported previously, the microsculpture of the unguitractor plate is obviously different in that microplates are scale-like and similar to those of the water bug, Ranatra linearis. In addition, microtrichia found in the lateral region of the unguitractor plate provides stronger fixation between two surfaces. These results provide anatomical information that allows us to understand the role of the pretarsus as an attachment device.
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Gómez A, Nichols E. Neglected wild life: Parasitic biodiversity as a conservation target. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2013; 2:222-7. [PMID: 24533340 PMCID: PMC3862516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites appropriate host resources to feed and/or to reproduce, and lower host fitness to varying degrees. As a consequence, they can negatively impact human and animal health, food production, economic trade, and biodiversity conservation. They can also be difficult to study and have historically been regarded as having little influence on ecosystem organization and function. Not surprisingly, parasitic biodiversity has to date not been the focus of much positive attention from the conservation community. However, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that parasites are extremely diverse, have key roles in ecological and evolutionary processes, and that infection may paradoxically result in ecosystem services of direct human relevance. Here we argue that wildlife parasites should be considered meaningful conservation targets no less relevant than their hosts. We discuss their numerical and functional importance, current conservation status, and outline a series of non-trivial challenges to consider before incorporating parasite biodiversity in conservation strategies. We also suggest that addressing the key knowledge gaps and communication deficiencies that currently impede broad discussions about parasite conservation requires input from wildlife parasitologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gómez
- American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nichols
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Blank D, Yang W. Behavioral responses of goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) to parasitic activity of botflies. J Parasitol 2013; 100:66-72. [PMID: 24171698 DOI: 10.1645/13-242.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied behavioral responses of goitered gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) to hypodermic botfly (family Hypodermatidae) activity in the naturally arid conditions of Kazakhstan. We found that the reactions of goitered gazelles are very similar to the insect-repelling behaviors of other ruminants and that most behavioral responses of goitered gazelles, such as frantic running, tail movements, and grooming, are not specific to botflies. The seasonal and diurnal changes in the intensity of the behavioral responses of the goitered gazelles coincided with the parasitic activities of botfly maggots. Surprisingly, the group size of the goitered gazelles decreased during the breeding of these parasitic insects instead of increasing, as was expected according to our predictions. As an alternative, the goitered gazelles chose an opposite strategy of dispersion throughout the area to avoid infestation. This strategy is well-known for other species of ungulates and was quite effective, because their infestation rate was relatively low.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Blank
- Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
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Colwell RK, Dunn RR, Harris NC. Coextinction and Persistence of Dependent Species in a Changing World. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2012. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110411-160304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The extinction of a single species is rarely an isolated event. Instead, dependent parasites, commensals, and mutualist partners (affiliates) face the risk of coextinction as their hosts or partners decline and fail. Species interactions in ecological networks can transmit the effects of primary extinctions within and between trophic levels, causing secondary extinctions and extinction cascades. Documenting coextinctions is complicated by ignorance of host specificity, limitations of historical collections, incomplete systematics of affiliate taxa, and lack of experimental studies. Host shifts may reduce the rate of coextinctions, but they are poorly understood. In the absence of better empirical records of coextinctions, statistical models estimate the rates of past and future coextinctions, and based on primary extinctions and interactions among species, network models explore extinction cascades. Models predict and historical evidence reveals that the threat of coextinction is influenced by both host and affiliate traits and is exacerbated by other threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K. Colwell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
- University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | | | - Nyeema C. Harris
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
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Zhang D, Wang QK, Hu DF, Li K. Cuticular structures on antennae of the bot fly, Portschinskia magnifica (Diptera: Oestridae). Parasitol Res 2012; 111:1651-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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16
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Paredes-Esquivel C, del Rio R, Monerris M, Borràs D, Laglera LM, Miranda MÁ. The influence of sheep age group on the seasonal prevalence of oestrosis in the island of Majorca. Vet Parasitol 2012; 186:538-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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17
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Moir ML, Vesk PA, Brennan KEC, Poulin R, Hughes L, Keith DA, McCarthy MA, Coates DJ. Considering extinction of dependent species during translocation, ex situ conservation, and assisted migration of threatened hosts. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2012; 26:199-207. [PMID: 22443127 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Translocation, introduction, reintroduction, and assisted migrations are species conservation strategies that are attracting increasing attention, especially in the face of climate change. However, preventing the extinction of the suite of dependent species whose host species are threatened is seldom considered, and the effects on dependent species of moving threatened hosts are unclear. There is no published guidance on how to decide whether to move species, given this uncertainty. We examined the dependent-host system of 4 disparate taxonomic groups: insects on the feather-leaf banksia (Banksia brownii), montane banksia (B. montana), and Stirling Range beard heath (Leucopogon gnaphalioides); parasites of wild cats; mites and ticks on Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) and tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus); and internal coccidian parasites of Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) and Hihi (Notiomystis cincta). We used these case studies to demonstrate a simple process for use in species- and community-level assessments of efforts to conserve dependents with their hosts. The insects dependent on Stirling Range beard heath and parasites on tigers (Panthera tigris) appeared to represent assemblages that would not be conserved by ex situ host conservation. In contrast, for the cases of dependent species we examined involving a single dependent species (internal parasites of birds and the mite Geckobia naultina on Duvaucel's gecko), ex situ conservation of the host species would also conserve the dependent species. However, moving dependent species with their hosts may be insufficient to maintain viable populations of the dependent species, and additional conservation strategies such as supplementing populations may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda L Moir
- School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Cozma V. Coendangered hard-ticks: threatened or threatening? Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:71. [PMID: 21554736 PMCID: PMC3114005 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The overwhelming majority of animal conservation projects are focused on vertebrates, despite most of the species on Earth being invertebrates. Estimates state that about half of all named species of invertebrates are parasitic in at least one stage of their development. The dilemma of viewing parasites as biodiversity or pest has been discussed by several authors. However, ticks were omitted. The latest taxonomic synopses of non-fossil Ixodidae consider valid 700 species. Though, how many of them are still extant is almost impossible to tell, as many of them are known only from type specimens in museums and were never collected since their original description. Moreover, many hosts are endangered and as part of conservation efforts of threatened vertebrates, a common practice is the removal of, and treatment for external parasites, with devastating impact on tick populations. There are several known cases when the host became extinct with subsequent coextinction of their ectoparasites. For our synoptic approach we have used the IUCN status of the host in order to evaluate the status of specifically associated hard-ticks. As a result, we propose a number of 63 coendangered and one extinct hard-tick species. On the other side of the coin, the most important issue regarding tick-host associations is vectorial transmission of microbial pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, protozoans). Tick-borne diseases of threatened vertebrates are sometimes fatal to their hosts. Mortality associated with pathogens acquired from ticks has been documented in several cases, mostly after translocations. Are ticks a real threat to their coendangered host and should they be eliminated? Up to date, there are no reliable proofs that ticks listed by us as coendangered are competent vectors for pathogens of endangered animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Parasites, emerging disease and wildlife conservation. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:1163-70. [PMID: 20452354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review some emerging issues of parasite infections in wildlife, particularly in Australia, are considered. We discuss the importance of understanding parasite biodiversity in wildlife in terms of conservation, the role of wildlife as reservoirs of parasite infection, and the role of parasites within the broader context of the ecosystem. Using a number of parasite species, the value of undertaking longitudinal surveillance in natural systems using non-invasive sampling and molecular tools to characterise infectious agents is illustrated in terms of wildlife health, parasite biodiversity and ecology.
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