ABSTRACT
Parasites comprise a substantial portion of global biodiversity and play critical roles in shaping ecosystems by modulating trophic networks and affecting their hosts' abundance and distribution. The dynamics of host migration introduce new complexity to these relationships. From the host perspective, migratory behavior can either act as a defense mechanism or augment exposure to a broader spectrum of pathogens. Conversely, for parasites, host migration represents a mechanism for their dispersion and an opportunity to infect new host species. This study investigates the complex interplay between migration and parasite-host interactions, focusing on the interaction between hosts and avian malaria and malaria-like parasites in the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. We captured 1466 birds representing 70 different species, uncovering 322 infections with Plasmodium/Haemoproteus parasites. We observed variations in migration timing and fluctuations in host abundance across months. By comparing the observed patterns of interaction of migratory and non-migratory birds to patterns of interaction expected at random, we show that migration affects the roles hosts take in the parasite-host network. Interestingly, despite the fact migratory species hosted more exclusive and distinct parasites, migrants did not occupy central network positions, which are mostly occupied by resident birds. Overall, we highlight the role of resident birds as a key species within parasite-host communities and the high specialization among avian haemosporidians and their hosts.
Subject(s)
Animal Migration , Birds , Host-Parasite Interactions , Animals , Brazil , Ecosystem , Plasmodium/physiologyABSTRACT
Abstract: According to the enemy release hypothesis (ERH) the spread of invasive species will be facilitated by release from their enemies as they occupy new areas. However, the ERH has rarely been tested by comparing populations of native (non-invasive, long established) species with expanding or shifting ranges, to the same species as invasive in another area. We tested the ERH with respect to blood parasite levels (prevalence and intensity of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp.) of (a) two closely related, widely distributed species of thrush (Turdus leucomelas and T. merula), and (b) an invasive sparrow (Passer domesticus) whose range has expanded from the Old World to the New World since the 18th century. A total of 158 birds were sampled in Portugal and 99 in Brazil. All bird species were parasitized, and 55% of the individuals collected were parasitized, and the mean intensity of infection was of 28 parasites per 10,000 erythrocytes. We assessed whether differences in levels of infection (prevalence and intensity) were due to site (tropical/New World and temperate/Old World) or host species. The ERH was supported: Passer domesticus and Turdus merula had higher levels of parasitism in the Old World than in the New World. Thus, P. domesticus seems to be benefitting from its "recent" range expansion, compared to T. leucomelas, through ecological release from its native parasites and because the parasites of the recently invaded area seem to be infesting native species instead.
Resumo: De acordo com a hipótese da liberação do inimigo (HLI), a disseminação de espécies invasoras será facilitada pela liberação de seus inimigos ao ocuparem novas áreas. No entanto, a HLI raramente é testada comparando-se as populações de espécies nativas (não invasivas, estabelecidas há muito tempo) que apresentam expansão ou alteração de habitats, com populações das mesmas espécies em habitats que foram invadidos. Testamos a HLI com relação aos níveis de parasitas no sangue (prevalência e intensidade de Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp.). De (a) duas espécies estreitamente relacionadas e amplamente distribuídas de Turdus (Turdus leucomelas e T. merula), e (b) um pardal invasor (Passer domesticus) cujo alcance se expandiu do Velho Mundo para o Novo Mundo desde o século 18. Um total de 158 aves foram amostradas em Portugal e 99 no Brasil. Todas as espécies foram parasitadas e 55% dos indivíduos foram parasitados, sendo que a intensidade média da infecção foi de 28 parasitas por 10.000 eritrócitos. Avaliamos se as diferenças nos níveis de infecção (prevalência e intensidade) foram devidas ao local (tropical/Novo Mundo e temperado/Velho Mundo) ou espécies hospedeiras. A HLI foi corroborada: Passer domesticus e Turdus merula apresentaram valores mais elevados de parasitismo no Velho Mundo do que no Novo Mundo. Assim, P. domesticus parece estar se beneficiando de sua expansão "recente" em comparação com T. leucomelas, através da liberação ecológica de seus parasitas nativos porque os parasitas da área recentemente invadida parecem infestar espécies nativas.
ABSTRACT
Infectious diseases can cause deleterious effects on bird species, leading to population decline and extinction. Haemosporidia can be recognized by their negative effects on host fitness, including reproductive success and immune responses. In captivity, outbreaks of haemosporidian infection have been observed in birds in zoos and aviaries. The endemic Brazilian Atlantic rainforest species Aburria jacutinga is one of the most endangered species in the Cracidae family, and wild populations of this species are currently found mainly in conservation areas in only two Brazilian states. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of avian haemosporidia on hematological and biochemical parameters in two captive populations of A. jacutinga. Forty-two animals were assessed, and the haemosporidian prevalence was similar for males and females. The occurrence of haemosporidian infection in captive A. jacutinga observed in this study was similar to results found in other captive and wild birds in Brazil. We found three different lineages of haemosporidia. Two lineages were identified as Plasmodium sp., one of which was previously detected in Europe and Asia, and the other is a new lineage closely related to P. gallinaceum. A new third lineage was identified as Haemoproteus sp. We found no significant differences in hematological and biochemical values between infected and non-infected birds, and the haemosporidian lineage did not seem to have an impact on the clinical and physiological parameters of A. jacutinga. This is the first report on an evaluation of natural haemosporidian infections diagnosed by microscopic and molecular methods in A. jacutinga by hematology, blood biochemistry, and serum protein values. Determining physiological parameters, occurrence and an estimation of the impact of haemosporidia in endangered avian species may contribute to the management of species rehabilitation and conservation.