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Helminth parasites of the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and sympatric carnivores

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2007

Javier Millán  and
Joan Carles Casanova
Javier Millán*
Affiliation:
Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Pabellón del Perú, Avda. María Luisa s/n, 41013-Sevilla, Spain:
Joan Carles Casanova
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal s/n, 08028-Barcelona, Spain
*
*Fax: +34 954621125 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Five critically endangered Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) and 35 other sympatric carnivores (19 feral cats Felis catus, 12 Egyptian mongooses Herpestes ichneumon, and 4 common genets Genetta genetta) were analysed for helminths in Sierra Morena and Doñana area (southern Spain). Ancylostoma tubaeforme, which was believed to be harmful for lynx cubs according to a previous study, was present in the only lynx and in 53% of cats analysed in Doñana (80% in adult cats). Other species shared in both areas were Toxocara cati (1 lynx, 31% of cats), Joyeuxiella pasqualei (1 lynx, 21% of cats) and Mesocestoides sp. (2 lynxes, 5% of cats). Only one mongoose was parasitized, harbouring larvae of two acantocephalan species not previously reported in the Iberian peninsula (Centrorhynchus (Sphaerirostris) lancea and Centrorhynchus (Longirostris) undulatus). Feral cats may be a reservoir for hookworms and other helminths affecting the Iberian lynx. In contrast, mongooses and genets may not play a role in the epidemiology of these species.

Type
Research Note
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 81 , Issue 4 , December 2007 , pp. 377 - 380
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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