Effect of the prevalence of ectoparasites in the behavioral patterns of wild vicuñas (vicugna vicugna)

ARZAMENDIA, YANINA; NEDER, ESTELA; MARCOPPIDO, GISELA; ORTIZ, FELIX; ARCE, MARTHA; LAMAS, HUGO E.; VILÁ, BIBIANA L.

Journal of camelid science

The International Society of Camelid Research and Development

Año: 2012 vol. 5 p. 105 - 117

1999-8732

The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is a wild South American camelid adapted to high Andean arid environments. This species almost became extinct by the middle of the 20th century due to overharvest for their fleece. Nowadays, the increase in their populations is generating conflicts with villagers, who consider vicuñas as transmitters of ectoparasites (mainly mites) to livestock. However, information concerning this issue is scarce, despite the importance of vicuñas and their close phylogenetic relationship with domestic camelids (Lama glama and Vicugna pacos). The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of ectoparasites in a wild population of the southern vicuña subspecies (V. vicugna vicugna) from Cieneguillas, Pozuelos Biosphere Reserve, Jujuy, Argentina, and their effect on the behavioral patterns of the species. We also surveyed ectoparasites in llamas (Lama glama) of the study area from 1999 to 2005. Parasites were collected directly from skin examination and scrapings. The ectoparasites detected in vicuñas were Microthoracius mazzai, M. praelongiceps and Sarcoptes scabiei, with a prevalence of 2.44% These parasites may also infect llamas. Behavior of vicuñas with louse infestation and sarcoptic mange lesions did not differ from those with no clinical signs.