Prevalence of malaria and related haemosporidian parasites in two shorebird species with different winter habitat distribution

• DOI: 10.1007/s10336-008-0349-z
• Publication Date: 2008-11-10T08:52:30Z
• Authors: Elizabeth Yohannes; Asta Križanauskienė; Mihai Valcu; Staffan Bensch; Bart Kempenaers
• Keywords: Sandpiper; Calidris; Avian Malaria; Haemoproteus

Parasites can have strong effects on host life-history and behaviour, result in changes population dynamics community structure. We applied a PCR-based technique examined prevalence of malaria related haemosporidian parasites two arctic breeding shorebird species: the Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) Pectoral (C. melanotos). During non-breeding season, Sandpipers inhabit coastal marine habitats, whereas are found inland areas. In accordance with hypothesis that risk parasite infection is higher species wintering freshwater areas, we Plasmodium sp. during season only Sandpipers, were free. However, even sampled arctic, was very low (<3% individuals, n = 114). Overall, three different lineages found, one which has never been described before.