Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2018 |
Authors: | A. Klein, Zimmermann, E., Radespiel, U., Schaarschmidt, F., Springer, A., Strube, C. |
Journal: | Parasites & Vectors |
Volume: | 11 |
Issue: | 459 |
Pagination: | 18 pp |
Date Published: | August 2018 |
Type of Article: | Open Access |
Keywords: | ectoparasites, haemaphysalis, Laelaptidae, Lemurs, seasonality, Socioecology, Trombiculidae |
Abstract: | Background: Ectoparasitic infections are of particular interest for endangered wildlife, as ectoparasites are potential vectors for inter- and intraspecific pathogen transmission and may be indicators to assess the health status of endangered populations. Here, ectoparasite dynamics in sympatric populations of two Malagasy mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis, were investigated over an 11-month period. Furthermore, the animals’ body mass was determined as an indicator of body condition, reflecting seasonal and environmental challenges. Living in sympatry, the two study species experience the same environmental conditions, but show distinct differences in socioecology: Microcebus murinus sleeps in tree holes, either solitarily (males) or sometimes in groups (females only), whereas M. ravelobensis sleeps in mixed-sex groups in more open vegetation. |
URL: | https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-3034-y |
DOI: | 10.1186/s13071-018-3034-y |
Short Title: | Parasites Vectors |
Ectoparasite communities of small-bodied Malagasy primates: seasonal and socioecological influences on tick, mite and lice infestation of Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis in northwestern Madagascar
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