Richness and Abundance of Endoparasites in Dabbling Ducks at George W. Mead Wildlife Area
Madisen Miller Biology
Kylie Lieven (Not Pictured)
Alexis Thao (Not Pictured)
Will Garcia-Heinrich (Not Pictured) Wildlife Ecology and Management
Ella Niles (Not Pictured)
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Wildlife Ecology and Management
Wetlands are vital ecosystems for waterfowl, providing nesting, foraging, and migratory resting sites. Dabbling ducks use shallow water to feed on aquatic plants and small organisms along the surface. Their feeding habits result in accumulation of parasites that can impact waterfowl health. We surveyed endoparasites of dabbling ducks from George W. Mead Wildlife Area to identify infection patterns reflected by their feeding habits. Hunters donated breasted out carcasses, providing location and collection date. We examined all host organs under a microscope using standardized procedures. We identified parasites to the lowest possible taxonomic level based on morphology and quantified total parasite abundance and species richness. We examined 85 Wood Ducks (WODU), 10 Green-winged Teal (GWTE), 13 Blue-winged Teal (BWTE), and 12 Mallards (MALL). Average total parasites per host species ranged from 38 to 192, with an overall average of 90. Mallards had the highest infection and differed significantly from GWTE (p=0.0151) and WODU (p=0.0001), but not BWTE (p=0.4700). Average total richness per host species ranged from 3 to 6 parasite taxa, with an overall average of 4 taxa. Blue-winged Teal had significantly higher parasite richness than WODU (p=0.00763) and GWTE (p=0.00160), but not MALL (p=0.28215). To improve the accuracy of host species comparisons, a larger sample size of BWTE, GWTE, and MALL would be required. Understanding parasite abundance and diversity can help inform managers of baseline infection levels and potential environmental impacts of infection trends. With this knowledge, managers can better predict the effects of habitat management on host diet and parasite transmission.
Advisors: Craig Ziolkowski Sarah Orlofske, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Wildlife
Type: Poster
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UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources
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