Endoparasites of the endemic Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus. Issue 3 (19th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ball, Samantha; Kelly, Thomas C.; Butler, Fidelma
• Is Part Of: Wildlife biology. Volume 2020:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2020-08-19
• Subjects: ecology -- gastrointestinal helminths -- Ireland -- mountain hare; Wildlife conservation; Wildlife management; Animal ecology; 590
• DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00717
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0909-6396

Abstract

Abstract : The Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus is an endemic subspecies of Mountain hare and Ireland's only native lagomorph. The endoparasite community composition of the Irish hare was examined from 22 carcasses opportunistically sourced from wildlife strike events (with aircraft and vehicles) from three counties in the Republic of Ireland. Three parasite taxa were identified from the stomach and small intestines: Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Graphidium strigosum and a tapeworm belonging to the genus Mosgovoyia . Overall, 50% of hares examined were host to at least one endoparasite taxon and 18% were host to more than one taxon. There was no significant correlation between parasite burden and host weight. This is the first known study of endoparasites in the Irish hare.