Prevalence and intensity of avian malaria in a quail hybrid zone. Issue 12 (19th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roth, Allison M.; Keiser, Carl N.; Williams, Judson B.; Gee, Jennifer M.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 11:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 8123
• Page End: 8135
• Publication Date: 2021-05-19
• Subjects: blood parasite -- California quail -- Callipepla -- Gambel's quail -- Haemoproteus lophortyx -- species barriers; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7645
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Hybrid zones have been described as natural laboratories by researchers who study speciation and the various mechanisms that may affect gene flow. The evolutionary consequences of hybridization depend not only on reproductive compatibility between sympatric species, but also on factors like vulnerability to each other's predators and parasites. We examined infection patterns of the blood parasite Haemoproteus lophortyx, a causative agent of avian malaria, at a site in the contact zone between California quail ( Callipepla californica ) and Gambel's quail ( C. gambelii ). Controlling for the potential influence of sex and year, we tested whether species identity predicted infection status and intensity. We found that infection prevalence was lower in California and hybrid quail compared with Gambel's quail. However, infected California and hybrid quail had higher infection intensities than Gambel's quail. California and hybrid quail exhibited no significant differences in prevalence or intensity of infection. These findings suggest that infection by H. lophortyx has the potential to influence species barrier dynamics in this system; however, more work is necessary to determine the exact evolutionary consequences of this blood parasite on hybridization. Abstract : We examined infection patterns of the blood parasite Haemoproteus lophortyx, a causative agent of avian malaria, at a site in the contact zone between California quail ( Callipepla californica ) and Gambel's quail ( C. gambelii ). We found that California and hybrid quail had lower infection prevalence but higher infection intensities than Gambel's quail. Our results suggest that infection by H. lophortyx has the potential to influence species barrier dynamics in this system.