Parasites of Raptorial Birds of South Florida
Abstract
Raptors are a polyphyletic group of birds characterized by predatory behavior and physiology. They regulate small mammal and reptile populations, playing key roles in local ecosystems as apex predators; as such, they are themselves largely regulated by their parasites. However, little is known regarding the species composition and structure of their endoparasite communities. To address this knowledge gap, we surveyed endoparasites of southeast Florida raptors: American kestrels (Falco sparverius), peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus), merlins (F. columbarius), Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), sharp-shinned hawks (A. striatus), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), broadwing hawks (B. platypterus), and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). As of February 2019, 58 birds had been examined, and almost all were infected with at least one parasite taxon; raptor parasite communities were diverse, including members of Digenea (primarily strigeids), Cestoda, Nematoda (primarily anisakids and spirurids), and Acanthocephala. Parasite species diversity varied among hosts: red-shouldered hawks had both the most diverse and heaviest parasite burdens, while turkey vultures had the least diverse parasite community and generally the lightest parasite load. This study features several new host records and range extensions, including: first report of nematodes in turkey vultures; first report of nematodes and strigeid digeneans in merlins; first records and a range extension for Acanthocephala in sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks. The implications of these results on raptor health and ecology are discussed. Many raptors are protected species, and information on the parasite communities that regulate them will inform conservation and management efforts.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christopher Blanar, Dr. David Kerstetter
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Shermany Library
Start Date
4-5-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
4-5-2019 5:00 PM
Parasites of Raptorial Birds of South Florida
Alvin Shermany Library
Raptors are a polyphyletic group of birds characterized by predatory behavior and physiology. They regulate small mammal and reptile populations, playing key roles in local ecosystems as apex predators; as such, they are themselves largely regulated by their parasites. However, little is known regarding the species composition and structure of their endoparasite communities. To address this knowledge gap, we surveyed endoparasites of southeast Florida raptors: American kestrels (Falco sparverius), peregrine falcons (F. peregrinus), merlins (F. columbarius), Cooper’s hawks (Accipiter cooperii), sharp-shinned hawks (A. striatus), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), broadwing hawks (B. platypterus), and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura). As of February 2019, 58 birds had been examined, and almost all were infected with at least one parasite taxon; raptor parasite communities were diverse, including members of Digenea (primarily strigeids), Cestoda, Nematoda (primarily anisakids and spirurids), and Acanthocephala. Parasite species diversity varied among hosts: red-shouldered hawks had both the most diverse and heaviest parasite burdens, while turkey vultures had the least diverse parasite community and generally the lightest parasite load. This study features several new host records and range extensions, including: first report of nematodes in turkey vultures; first report of nematodes and strigeid digeneans in merlins; first records and a range extension for Acanthocephala in sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks. The implications of these results on raptor health and ecology are discussed. Many raptors are protected species, and information on the parasite communities that regulate them will inform conservation and management efforts.
