Influences of habitat and arthropod density on parasitism in two co-occurring host taxa

We examined infection with trematode (flatworm) parasites in two commonly co-occurring host taxa (larval amphibians and larval odonates (dragonflies and damselflies)) to investigate links with landscape-level features, including agricultural activity. We also assessed pond community composition with respect to the abundance and richness of aquatic arthropods known to prey upon tadpoles and (or) free-swimming trematode infectious stages. Larval amphibians from agricultural sites were most likely to be parasitized but had lower infection intensities, and infected hosts were positively associated with increasing distance to the nearest forest habitat, but negatively with road distance. The opposite was observed for larval odonate infection status; however, probability and intensity of parasitism in both host taxa was negatively associated with greater predatory arthropod abundance, consistent with the “dilution effect” of biodiversity on infectious diseases. Our approach demonstrates the importance of considering multiple host taxa when studying habitat links to diseases, and future studies incorporating even greater diversity will be needed.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - Category: Zoology Authors: Source Type: research