Abstract
Ectoparasite load in small mammals can be influenced by both environmental conditions and host species characteristics. However, the nature of these influences is poorly understood in many ecosystems. We used zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression models with a log link function to assess variation in ectoparasite load among 19 small mammal host species across different land uses (protection in a park, pastoralism and agriculture), habitat types, seasons, age classes, sexes and breeding statuses. We collected 4258 ectoparasites from 612 individual belonging to 19 different species of small mammals. The average ectoparasite load per individual was higher in the pastoral and agricultural lands than in the National Park. Ectoparasite load varied among species and was the highest for the four common and generalist small mammal species (Aethomys sp., Arvicanthis niloticus, Mastomys natalensis, and Gerbilliscus vicinus), most notably in the disturbed pastoral and agricultural lands. It was also higher in the dry than the wet season and for adult males than adult females. These patterns partly reflect the greater mobility of small mammals in the drier conditions; in addition the large body size and home range of males increase the likelihood of encountering parasites. Human disturbance was associated with elevated ectoparasitic load among the small mammals and hence elevated risk of transmission of ectoparasites to humans. As a result, understanding the effect of habitat disturbance on ectoparasite load and its link to zoonotic disease risk should be an important conservation goal and public health priority. Moreover, effective pest control strategies should consider variation in ectoparasite load with land use, habitat type, season and species characteristics.
Highlights
Parasites are becoming increasingly recognized as integral members of ecological communities
We evaluate how ectoparasite load varies with species, age, sex and breeding status of the host species under protection in the Serengeti National Park, livestock pastoralism and crop agriculture
612 individuals of 19 small mammal species were trapped in the ecosystem during a total of 28,200 trap nights of effort
Summary
Parasites are becoming increasingly recognized as integral members of ecological communities. They play important roles in, and can adversely affect, populations, communities, and ecosystems in multiple ways (Hugot et al 2001; Nunn et al 2003). Parasitic infestation can disrupt community structure by decreasing prey populations, thereby disrupting ecological webs (Utsumi et al 2010). These effects can modify ecosystem functions, for example, by facilitating grass growth and promoting fires, which suppress trees and can alter carbon cycling in ecosystems (Holdo et al 2009). The distribution of parasites among host individuals within a population is often heterogeneous with a small number of hosts harbouring the majority of parasites
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
