Gastrointestinal helminths of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) from Antarctica. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diaz, Julia Inés; Fusaro, Bruno; Longarzo, Lucrecia; Coria, Néstor Rubén; Vidal, Virginia; D'Amico, Verónica; Barbosa, Andrés
• Is Part Of: Polar research. Volume 35:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Parorchites zederi -- Stegophorus macronectes -- Tetrameres sp. -- parasites -- ecosystem health.; Polar regions -- Research -- Periodicals; Polar regions -- Periodicals; 508.311
• DOI: 10.3402/polar.v35.28516
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0800-0395

Abstract

Abstract : Knowledge about parasitic organisms in Antarctica is scarce and fragmentary. The study reported here adds to the knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites of the Adélie penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae ) (Sphenisciformes), from 25 de Mayo/King George Island (South Shetlands), Bahia Esperanza (Hope Bay) and Avian Island (Antarctica). Thirty-five freshly dead specimens (20 chicks and 15 adults) were collected from December 2007 to December 2014 and examined for internal macroparasites. Three adult parasite species were found: one Cestoda, Parorchites zederi, and two Nematoda, Stegophorus macronectes and Tetrameres sp. Immature Tetrabothrius sp. were found in hosts from Avian Island. Helminth communities are known to be related to host feeding behaviours. Low parasite richness observed in Adélie penguins could be related to the stenophagic and pelagic diet of this host species, which feeds almost exclusively on krill.