Does the Introduction of Alien Species Represent a Sanitary Threat for Native Species? The Case of the Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus in Italy.

Paolo Tizzani,Andrea Peano,Daniela Andrade,Anna Rita Molinar Min,Pier Giuseppe Meneguz

doi:10.3390/life10080142

Abstract

Introduction of alien species is a well-known threat to biodiversity. Where newly introduced, alien species may pose a risk for the local ecological community by competing for resources or by introducing pathogens. Sylvilagus floridanus is an American lagomorph introduced into Europe in the second half of 20th century, for hunting. This study evaluated the structure and epidemiological characteristics of the gastrointestinal parasite community in an introduced population of S. floridanus in the Province of Alessandria (Piedmont Region—Italy). Three alien parasites were reported out of 271 animals: Obeliscoides cuniculi in the stomach, Trichostrongylus calcaratus in the small intestine, and Passarulus nonnanulatus in the large intestine. All these nematodes are commonly reported in S. floridanus in its natural range, but they represent alien species in Europe. The report of these alien parasites is an example of the unexpected consequences caused by the introduction of non-native vertebrates. The documented introduction of new pathogens may alter the parasite community of the native lagomorphs, with possible long-term effects on local ecological dynamics.

Highlights

More than 16,000 alien species are established outside their native range at a global level [1].Around one thousand have documented ecological effects, and the taxonomic groups causing the highest impacts are terrestrial invertebrates and terrestrial plants [2]
The impact of the introduced parasite is significantly higher on the native species than on the co-introduced alien host, raising important concerns about the sanitary threat represented by the biological invasions [3]
The introduced ranges the Eastern cottontail was very localized in the Alessandria Province

Summary

Introduction

More than 16,000 alien species are established outside their native range at a global level [1].Around one thousand have documented ecological effects, and the taxonomic groups causing the highest impacts are terrestrial invertebrates and terrestrial plants [2]. More than 16,000 alien species are established outside their native range at a global level [1]. Alien species might represent a threat to biodiversity, leading to the extinction of indigenous species. They are harmful in different ways: by competing for resources, inter-breeding, or introducing alien pathogens [1]. Few studies on the introduction of alien parasites have been carried out for both terrestrial and aquatic animals. The impact of the introduced parasite is significantly higher on the native species than on the co-introduced alien host, raising important concerns about the sanitary threat represented by the biological invasions [3]

Methods

Results

Conclusion