Biological and environmental determinants in the structuring of ectoparasites in wild carnivores and rodents in central Chihuahua, Mexico

TL;DR

This study explores how biological and environmental factors shape ectoparasite communities in wild carnivores and rodents in central Chihuahua, Mexico.

Contribution

The research provides new records of ectoparasite-host interactions and highlights seasonal and host-based structuring patterns in northern Mexico.

Findings

Seasonal variation and host family significantly influenced ectoparasite presence and frequency.

Flea species clustered by host group, with Pulicidae in carnivores and Ceratophyllidae in rodents.

No significant interspecific interactions were observed among flea species.

Abstract

The study of the structure of ectoparasite communities in wild mammals is fundamental, as it contributes to comprehend the ecological and health dynamics of these systems. This study analyzed the structure of ectoparasite communities in wild carnivores and rodents in central Chihuahua, Mexico, considering biological variables of the hosts (species and sex) and environmental factors such as temperature in one year cycle. A total of 745 ectoparasites were collected, including 738 fleas (seven species, two families), four lice (two species), and one tick species. Seasonal variation and host family significantly influenced the presence and frequency of ectoparasites. Flea species clustered by host group: Pulicidae predominated in carnivores, with Pulex simulans being the most abundant species during winter, while Ceratophyllidae dominated in rodents, with Malaraeus eremicus as the most abundant flea in autumn-winter and Jellisonia sp. nva. in spring-summer. No significant interspecific interactions were observed among flea species. In rodents, no significant relationship was found between the rodent’s sex and the presence of fleas. In northern Mexico, studies on the composition and interactions of ectoparasite communities in wild mammals and their seasonal structuring are scarce. This research provides new records of ectoparasite-host interactions in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, and updates current knowledge on how biological and climatic factors influence ectoparasite community behavior. These findings offer valuable insights for biology, public health, and species conservation.

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