Prevalence of Ectoparasitism among Water Birds at in-situ and ex-situ Conservations of Tamil Nadu, India

Author: Shanmuga Sundaram A., Jayathangaraj M.G., Gomathinayagam S., Thangavelu A. and Thirumurugan R.

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Abstract

Birds may harbor a great variety and number of ectoparasites. In birds, many of the studies have focused on parasites and host reproductive success. Parasitism may affect the reproduction of hosts; nestlings support high numbers of host reproductive success. With this background, a study was conducted to explore the prevalence of ectoparasites in migratory and resident water fowlof wildlife sanctuaries and zoos in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu state, India. Ectoparasitic fauna such as ticks and lice were identified in fallen feather samples collected from both the free-ranging areas and captive bird areas under study. Ticks have been identified as Argas persicus and lice as Lipeurus caponis. At Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, 17.50% of 40 samples revealed evidence of ectoparasites in water birds, while 10% of 10 samples at Karikili Bird Sanctuary respectively. Study carried out with fallen feather samples (n=40) from Arignar Anna Zoological Park revealed ectoparasitic evidence comprising of ticks and lice in 25% of the feather samples, with 60% obtained from water birds reared at Guindy Children’s Corner. In terms of tick prevalence, there were highly significant differences (P<0.01) between these two locations. In comparison between in-situ and ex-situ areas, highly significant variations (p<0.01) were revealed in ticks (Argas persicus) as well as in the overall positivity of ectoparasitic prevalence.

Keywords

Ectoparasites, in-situ, ex-situ, Migratory and Resident water birds

Conclusion

Ectoparasites like ticks and lice can affect free-ranging water birds, and the incidence was higher in captive habitats. Preventive measures to control ectoparasites include disposal of dead birds, and breaking the life-cycle of the ectoparasite through interventions in habitat including tree barks. In severe cases, treatment with ectoparasiticide applications or parenteral injections could be advocated. The barks of the trees should be examined for evidence of ectoparasites and acaricides should be used without damage to the tree. Contacts between captive water birds and free-ranging water birds should be prevented to minimize the spread of ectoparasitic infection.

References

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How to cite this article

Shanmuga Sundaram A., Jayathangaraj M.G., Gomathinayagam S., Thangavelu A. and Thirumurugan R. (2023). Prevalence of Ectoparasitism among Water Birds at in-situ and ex-situ Conservations of Tamil Nadu, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 304-307.