Parasites of the endangered Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus): correlates with host abundance and lek site characteristics

Abstract

In April 2000, we collected and analyzed for parasites 174 feces belonging to 48 different and identified Cantabrian capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) from 39 lek sites in the Cantabrian Mountains (North Spain) and determined the factors related with prevalence and abundance of propagule excretion: (1) interrelations with other parasite species, (2) characteristics of the capercaillie population (number of capercaillies in the lek site, number of occupied lek sites in a 2-km area, and abundance trend), and (3) characteristics of the lek site (orientation and altitude). The higher prevalence was observed for Eimeria sp. oocysts (29% of feces). Capillaria-like eggs were the most frequently detected among nematodes (9%). Excretion of Heterakis sp., Ascaridia sp., and Trichostrongylus sp. eggs was low. The presence of Capillaria propagules in feces was negatively related with those of Eimeria and Heterakis. This could be explained by differences in parasite transmission and capercaillie exposure because Eimeria and Heterakis have direct life cycle, whereas subfamily Capillariinae includes many heteroxenous species. Capillaria eggs were more prevalent in lek sites at lower altitude, which could be explained by altitude-related factors such as humidity, temperature, or soil characteristics that may affect intermediate host abundance. Although no relation was found with host abundance, the low parasite species diversity, prevalence, and abundance may indirectly reflect the decline of the Cantabrian capercaillie populations.