A preliminary investigation into the endoparasite load of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Ireland
-
Amy Haigh
,
Joanne O’Keeffe
Abstract
The European hedgehog is strictly protected in the Republic of Ireland but has been little studied. Carcasses, such as road kill casualties, can provide valuable information on population demographics, parasite load and general body condition. This study aimed to examine the species of endoparasites present in hedgehogs, their prevalence and intensities and whether differences occurred depending on the age and sex of the hedgehog. Carcasses were collected and examined from around Ireland, over a 3-year period. In 21 of the 23 hedgehogs examined, endoparasites were identified. The nematode species, Crenosoma triatum and Capillaria erinacei were both positively identified. C. striatium was confined to the lungs, whereas C. erinacei was the most prevalent (87%) endoparasite and occurred in the stomach and intestines. There was a significantly higher load of Crenosoma striatum observed in male hedgehogs compared to females, but no significant difference was observed in the intensity of C. erinacei between the sexes. In all tissues, a greater mean endoparasite load was observed in male hedgehogs. Sex differences in exposure or immunity to parasitism could be related to the males’ larger home range and the effects of oestrogen levels on immunity.
The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Sharon Lynch and Elizabeth Cotter, as well as Padraig Whelan and all of the people who collected hedgehog carcasses. The authors also thank the Department of Environment, Heritage and local Government for granting licenses, the Crawford Hayes Fund for PhD Scholarship and all the staff and students at U.C.C who assisted in this study.
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- Masthead
- Masthead
- Review
- Population and community dynamics and habitat selection of rodents in complex desert landscapes
- Original Studies
- Social thermoregulation in least shrews, Cryptotis parva
- Environmental variables and reproductive activity in small rodents of pampean agroecosystems
- Feeding habits of the common genet (Genetta genetta) in the area of Djurdjura, north of Algeria
- Snow cover and riparian habitat determine the distribution of the short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) at its southern range limits in arid western North America
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- Distribution and spread of an introduced insular population of red-bellied squirrels (Sciurus aureogaster) in Florida
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- Interindividual variations in fruit preferences of the yellow-shouldered bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a cafeteria experiment
- A preliminary investigation into the endoparasite load of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Ireland
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