Habitat type influences parasite load in Algerian Psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) lizards

Abstract

Understanding how habitat type and deterioration may affect parasitism is important in assessing the effects of human-induced environmental change on host–parasite dynamics. In this study, we examined inter-population differences in parasite load in the Mediterranean lizard Psammodromus algirus (Linnaeus, 1758). We analyzed prevalence and intensity of infection by blood parasites and ectoparasites in two populations separated by a 400 m elevational gradient and with different habitat types that also differed in the degree of human alteration. We also compared data obtained from the same populations 10 years later to assess whether there have been temporary changes in parasite loads. Results showed that prevalence and intensity of blood parasites were higher in the deteriorated lowland holm oak forest population than in the well-preserved upland oak forest. In contrast, the prevalence and intensity of infection by Ixodes Latreille, 1795 ticks was higher in the upland oak forest population. Individuals from the lowland population were in poorer condition. Intensities of infection by blood parasites and ectoparasites have decreased significantly from 2005–2006 to 2016 in both populations. Our results suggest that inter-population differences in parasite load may be explained by differences in habitat characteristics. This study contributes to the identification of ecosystems and habitats that are most sensitive to prevalence and intensity of infection by parasites.

Relationship between oxidative stress and sexual coloration of lizards depends on thermal habitat

“…This would also suggest the possibility of adaptive 'collection' of ectoparasites in environments where exposure to endoparasites is high-individuals with continuous immune response combating ectoparasites could be more resistant to endoparasitic infection. Interestingly, Carbayo et al (2018) found a similar relationship for ectoparasite-endoparasite infection to our finding on these two species, comparing two populations of P. algirus at different altitudes. In their study, they present that the lowland population was highly infected with endoparasites but not with ectoparasites, while for the highland population they found the opposite: low prevalence of endoparasites and high prevalence and infection intensity of ectoparasites.…”

Variation in field body temperature and total evaporative water loss along an environmental gradient in a diurnal ectotherm

“…In particular, the prevalence of ticks was higher in lizards from the high-elevation population (Carbayo, Mart ın & Civantos, 2019). Ticks are typically found grouped in hot spots just behind the armpit and the neck, where their action often exposed the skin below the scales (Salvador, Veiga & Civantos, 1999).…”

Body condition, sex and elevation in relation to mite parasitism in a high mountain gecko

“…Amo, L opez & Mart ın, 2004;Knapp et al, 2019). Immune function is condition-dependent (Møller et al, 1998), and hosts in good condition may use more resources to resist infestation or to tolerate high intensities of parasitism (Budischak et al, 2018;S anchez et al, 2018;Carbayo, Mart ın & Civantos, 2019). If hosts use resources to fight parasites, hosts in poor condition could suffer impaired immune defence that would lead to greater probability of infection and heavier parasite loads, and ultimately higher mortality (Merino et al, 2000;Botzler & Brown, 2014).…”