Tick species (Acari: Ixodida) in Cracow (southern Poland)—diversity of habitats and feeding in the urban environment

Abstract

Infrastructure development in cities allows for the expansion of many animal species into urban areas. This includes parasitic arthropods of humans and animals, such as ticks (Acari: Ixodida). Ticks overcome the barriers presented by urbanization and successfully function in these environments. After mosquitoes, ticks are considered the most harmful external parasites to humans. Besides the direct pathogenic effect on their hosts, ticks are particularly dangerous vectors of bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections. Cracow is an increasingly popular tourist destination in Poland. The green spaces and many tourist attractions of this historical town are frequented by residents, local tourists and international travellers—favourable conditions under which ticks can encounter human hosts and spread. Ticks not only occur in green areas and on hiking trails rich in vegetation, but can also thrive in built-up areas on e.g. the exteriors of buildings or inside attics. Five out of the nineteen tick species that occur in Poland have been registered in Cracow: two species representing the Argasidae family: Argas polonicus and Argas reflexus, two species in the Ixodidae family: Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus and one species in the Amblyommidae family Dermacentor reticulatus. The aim of this study was to systematize the information available on the tick species that occur in Cracow and to show the diversity of the habitats and feeding environments available to these parasites. These findings can be used to educate urban residents and tourists, especially children and adolescents, about the areas where ticks occur and inform them of individual protection against tick bites. The aim of the study was to systematize the current state of knowledge of the mentioned tick species and to present the diversity of the habitat and feeding environment of these parasites in Cracow. It is also necessary to indicate to urban residents and tourists, especially children and adolescents, the areas where ticks are present as well as the principles of individual protection against tick attacks.