ARTHROPOD AND HELMINTH ASSEMBLAGE IN SIGMODONTINE RODENTS FROM WETLANDS OF THE RIO DE LA PLATA, ARGENTINA

NAVONE, G.T.; NOTARNICOLA, J.; NAVA, S.; ROBLES, M. DE R.; GALLIARI, C.A.; LARESCHI, M.

MASTOZOOLOGIA NEOTROPICAL

SAREM

Lugar: MENDOZA; Año: 2008

0327-9383

ABSTRACT. The assemblage of arthropods and helminthes (ticks, mites, fleas, nematodes, and flatworms) present in sigmodontine rodents (Cricetidae) from a broad wetland area of the Río de la Plata, Argentina was studied. A total of 250 sigmodontines were captured during a two years sampling period: Scapteromys aquaticus and Oxymycterus rufus were the most abundant hosts, followed by Oligoryzomys nigripes, Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens, and Deltamys kempi. A list of arthropods and helminthes species associated with each rodent species is given, as well the prevalence and mean abundance. New host and geographic records were provided. The wetlands from Rio de la Plata displayed a high biodiversity of parasites associated with the sigmodontine rodents. The parasite asemblage from both, Ol. flavescens and Ol. nigripes showed the highest value of similarity, followed by the (nucleus??) S. aquaticus and Ox. rufus. Different degrees of host-parasite association suggest the presence of barriers between the rodent populations or of different behaviors (i.e. use of habitats, trophic habits). This knowledge may be used to determine  targets for biological conservation and ecological impact of parasitism in the area.