Abstract
The Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus is an endemic subspecies of Mountain hare and Ireland's only native lagomorph. The endoparasite community composition of the Irish hare was examined from 22 carcasses opportunistically sourced from wildlife strike events (with aircraft and vehicles) from three counties in the Republic of Ireland. Three parasite taxa were identified from the stomach and small intestines: Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Graphidium strigosum and a tapeworm belonging to the genus Mosgovoyia. Overall, 50% of hares examined were host to at least one endoparasite taxon and 18% were host to more than one taxon. There was no significant correlation between parasite burden and host weight. This is the first known study of endoparasites in the Irish hare.
Highlights
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The Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus is an endemic subspecies of Mountain hare and Ireland’s only native lagomorph
Three parasite taxa were identified from the stomach and small intestines: Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Graphidium strigosum and a tapeworm belonging to the genus Mosgovoyia
Summary
BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research. Hare coursing, whilst banned in most countries, is a regulated and widespread practice (Reid et al 2007, 2010b, Kelly 2020) Despite their cultural significance, little research has been conducted on the endoparasites of lagomorphs in Ireland. Little research has been conducted on the endoparasites of lagomorphs in Ireland This is with the exception of Butler (1994), who recorded the arthropod and helminth parasites of rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus. Mountain hares are known to host heavy helminth infestations and are susceptible to high burdens of the two gastrointestinal species Graphidium strigosum and Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (Newey et al 2005).
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