First report of helminthological surveys of the pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) in the colonies of Yucatan Mexico.
ABSTRACT
Parasitism is an interspecific relationship where the dependence of a species on the host is metabolic and involves a mutual exchange of substances (Quiroz, 1984), but this association, whether permanent or temporary, produces effects that, in most cases, are detrimental to the host (Borchert, 1976). The presence or absence of certain parasites within a given ecosystem can be used as an indicator of biodiversity and abundance (Hechinger, 2007) and the specific composition of parasites in groups such as birds and mammals can provide elements of their phylogenetic development due to the high specialization of these relationships.
Flamingos are very charismatic tropical species whose gregarious behavior and high mobility in natural and anthropic environments make them potential hosts for many parasites. Their filter-feeding can also bring them into contact with parasite eggs or other intermediate host species in the life cycle of numerous parasitic helminths. Their parasitic fauna has been studied, both ectoparasites and phytraparasites (feather lice) whose presence has been reviewed (Clay 1974) and the phylogenetic significance of the presence of genera previously thought to be exclusive to Anseriformes has been discussed. Sibley et al. (1969) have reviewed the evidence on the phylogenetic relationships of flamingos, Anseriformes and Ciconiiformes.
ABSTRACT
Parasitism is an interspecific relationship where the dependence of a species on the host is metabolic and involves a mutual exchange of substances (Quiroz, 1984), but that this association, whether permanent or temporary, produces effects that, in most cases, In each case, it is detrimental to the host (Borchert, 1976). The presence or absence of certain parasites within a given ecosystem can be used as an indicator of biodiversity and abundance (Hechinger, 2007) and the specific composition of parasites in groups such as birds and mammals can give elements of their phylogenetic development. due to the high specialization of these relationships.
Flamingos are very charismatic tropical species whose gregarious behavior and high mobility in natural and anthropogenic wetlands make them potential recipients of many parasites. Its filter feeding can also put it in contact with parasite eggs or other host species that are intermediate in the life cycle of numerous parasitic helminths. Their parasitic fauna has been studied, both ectoparasites and ftiraptera (feather lice) whose presence has been reviewed in them (Clay 1974) and the phylogenetic significance of the presence of genera previously believed exclusive to Anseriformes has been discussed. Sibley et al. (1969) have reviewed the evidence on the phylogenetic relationships of flamingos, Anseriformes and Ciconiiformes.
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