Parasitological findings in the invasive California kingsnake (<i>Lampropeltis californiae</i>) in Gran Canaria, Spain

Santana-Hernández, Kevin M.; Orós, Jorge; Priestnall, Simon L.; Monzón‐Argüello, Catalina; Rodríguez-Ponce, Eligia

doi:10.1017/s0031182021000871

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…The population density of this gecko decreases with altitude (from sea level up to 750 m), with higher densities in the Dd areas (Mateo, 2002) – a fact which could account for the higher prevalence of cestodes in cats from Dd zones on the island. In addition, by preying on geckoes, two species of Diplopylidium are being transmitted to another important invasive species on Gran Canaria, the California Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis californiae) (Santana-Hernández et al ., 2021). Hence, the life cycle of Diplopylidium spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Fernández¹,

Santana-Hernández

Rodríguez-Ponce

2022

J. Helminthol.

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The influence of climate on parasite distribution has been demonstrated in different regions worldwide. Despite its small size, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) constitutes a ‘biodiversity laboratory’ due to the huge climatic differences between municipalities. Feral cats may represent a threat to biodiversity due to their predatory behaviour. In addition, they may be a source of pathogens zoonotic to humans. To study the climatic/seasonal influence and prevalence of feral cat parasites throughout the island, a total of 290 stool samples from 29 feral cat colonies were analysed following standard concentration protocols (sodium chloride, formol-ether and zinc sulphate). In total, 13 feline parasitic taxa were found, with the most common species being Ancylostoma spp., which, together with Toxocara spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia spp., are considered a concern for human health. Nematodes were the most common parasites in all areas. Nematodes and protozoans were significantly more prevalent in temperate mild (75.0% and 30.0%) than in dry desert areas (29.3% and 18.7%). In contrast, cestodes were significantly more prevalent in dry desert than in temperate mild areas (26.0% and 13.3%). Only protozoans exhibited statistically significant seasonal patterns, mostly in the wet season. Data reported in this study endorse the usage of small and diverse islands such as Gran Canaria to study the climatic influence on parasitic communities in wild/feral animals. Cat colonies require better management to reduce their threat to endemic wildlife, domestic animals and public health, being invasive species that harbour zoonotic parasites.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Fernández¹,

Santana-Hernández

Rodríguez-Ponce

2022

J. Helminthol.

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“…Small mammals (29.5%) and birds (1.5%) have also been detected in the digestive system of snakes. In addition to direct effects by predation on endemic fauna, possible co-invasive metazoan parasites infecting the snake have been detected, as well as ‘reverse’ infection with larval stages of parasites of feral cats and other vertebrates (Santana-Hernández et al ., 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sarcocystis sp. infection (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in invasive California kingsnake Lampropeltis californiae (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Gran Canaria

et al. 2022

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Invasive species pose a threat not only to biodiversity because they displace or compete with native fauna, but also because of the pathogens they can host. The Canary Islands are an Atlantic biodiversity hotspot threatened by increasing numbers of invasive species, including the California kingsnake Lampropeltis californiae, which was recently introduced to Gran Canaria. Seventy-seven snakes were examined for gastrointestinal parasites in 2019–2020. Sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. were detected in 10 of them; detection of gamogonia stages in histological sections of 3 snakes confirmed the snake as a definitive host. Partial ssrDNA was amplified using SarcoFext/SarcoRext primers; an additional sequence of Sarcocystis was obtained from the tail muscle of the endemic Gran Canaria giant lizard Gallotia stehlini for a comparison. Identical ssrDNA sequences of unknown Sarcocystis sp. were obtained from 5 different snakes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Sarcocystis sp. isolated from invasive California kingsnakes is unrelated to Sarcocystis provisionally considered S. stehlini from the endemic lizard. The dixenous coccidia are rarely reported to invade new predator–prey systems. However, the present data suggest that previously unknown Sarcocystis sp. is circulating among invasive snakes and as yet unknown vertebrate intermediate hosts, with undetermined consequences for the Gran Canaria ecosystem.

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Temperature as an effective biosecurity tool against invasive snakes

Piquet,

Maestresalas,

López-Darias

2024

Journal of Thermal Biology

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Parasitological findings in the invasive California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) in Gran Canaria, Spain

Abstract: Abstract

Cited by 5 publications

References 40 publications

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Small islands as potential model ecosystems for parasitology: climatic influence on parasites of feral cats

Sarcocystis sp. infection (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in invasive California kingsnake Lampropeltis californiae (Serpentes: Colubridae) in Gran Canaria

Temperature as an effective biosecurity tool against invasive snakes

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