Dependence of Trematode Fauna of the Waterbirds of Azerbaijan on Their Seasonal Migration

Abstract

An analysis of 181 species of trematodes according to the results of a complete helminthological autopsy of 1970 specimens of 80 waterbird species from reservoirs located in various regions of Azerbaijan has been carried out. Among 181 species of trematodes, 78 species are of northern origin, 39 species are of southern origin, and 64 species are ubiquists. A total of 135 species of trematodes are found in the birds permanently living, nesting, and wintering in Azerbaijan; 53 species are found in the birds that only nest there, 56 species are found in overwintering birds, and 15 species are found in the birds that just rest there during their migration. Among the trematodes found in wetland birds, 139 species are able to infect birds in the studied areas and are considered local forms; 42 species whose maritae are detected in nesting and wintering wetland birds but whose metacercariae were not found in invertebrates and fish are classified as alien species. The clear predominance of local forms in the trematode fauna of Azerbaijan’s wetland birds indicates that there are favorable conditions in its waters for birds to become infected with these parasites.