Hematological and plasma biochemistry values for endangered red knots (Calidris canutus rufa) at wintering and migratory sites in Argentina

VERÓNICA L. D'AMICO; MARCELO BERTELLOTTI,; ALLAN J. BAKER; PATRICIA M. GONZÁLEZ

JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES

WILDLIFE DISEASE ASSOC, INC

Lugar: Journal of Wildlife Diseases; Año: 2010 vol. 46 p. 644 - 648

0090-3558

We obtained hematological and plasma biochemistry values for adult long distance migrant red knots in their southernmost wintering site in Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina and at the first refueling site in San Antonio Oeste Río Negro Argentina. Lymphocytes (L) followed by heterophils (H) were the most abundant leukocytes. H/L ratio and glucose levels were significantly higher at Río Grande possibly due to stresses of migration and molting. Ranges of packed cell volume were wide probably as a response to a need for oxygen transportation necessary for the long migration. Protein profile and lipids were higher at the stopover site and attributable to birds storing reserves for subsequent flights. These can be considered as reference values for this endangered species.