The aim of this work was to explore the effect of helminth parasites on rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis) population dynamics in the Dolomitic Alps (northern Italy). Specifically, we investigated the hypothesis that the nematode parasite Ascaridia compar can drive population cycles in rock partridge dynamics. In order to support this hypothesis, we compared the predictions obtained from a hostmacroparasite interaction model with multi-annual empirical data of A. compar infection in natural host populations. We estimated host demographic parameters from rock partridge census data, and the parasitological parameters from a series of experimental infections in a rock partridge captive population. Our model predicts higher levels of A. compar infestation for rock partridge population with a cyclic dynamics respect to those with a non-cyclic dynamics. In addition, for populations exhibiting cyclic dynamics, the model predicts a positive correlation between the mean parasite burden and the length of cycle period. Model predictions are well-supported by field data; in fact, a significant differences in parasite infection between cyclic and non cyclic populations and within cyclic populations with different oscillation periods were observed. On the basis of these results, we conclude that helminth parasites can be a possible driver for rock partridge population dynamics and must be considered when planning conservation strategies of this threatened species.

Rosa', R.; Bolzoni, L.; Pugliese, A.; Rosso, F.; Rizzoli, A. (2011). Modelling the impact of helminth parasite on rock partridge population dynamics. In: 8th European Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology. Krakow (Poland), 28 June – 2 July 2011. url: http://www.impan.pl/~ecmtb11/index.php?file=secs.html handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/21100

Modelling the impact of helminth parasite on rock partridge population dynamics

Rosa', Roberto;Bolzoni, Luca;Rosso, Fausta;Rizzoli, Annapaola
2011-01-01

Abstract

The aim of this work was to explore the effect of helminth parasites on rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis) population dynamics in the Dolomitic Alps (northern Italy). Specifically, we investigated the hypothesis that the nematode parasite Ascaridia compar can drive population cycles in rock partridge dynamics. In order to support this hypothesis, we compared the predictions obtained from a hostmacroparasite interaction model with multi-annual empirical data of A. compar infection in natural host populations. We estimated host demographic parameters from rock partridge census data, and the parasitological parameters from a series of experimental infections in a rock partridge captive population. Our model predicts higher levels of A. compar infestation for rock partridge population with a cyclic dynamics respect to those with a non-cyclic dynamics. In addition, for populations exhibiting cyclic dynamics, the model predicts a positive correlation between the mean parasite burden and the length of cycle period. Model predictions are well-supported by field data; in fact, a significant differences in parasite infection between cyclic and non cyclic populations and within cyclic populations with different oscillation periods were observed. On the basis of these results, we conclude that helminth parasites can be a possible driver for rock partridge population dynamics and must be considered when planning conservation strategies of this threatened species.
2011
Rosa', R.; Bolzoni, L.; Pugliese, A.; Rosso, F.; Rizzoli, A. (2011). Modelling the impact of helminth parasite on rock partridge population dynamics. In: 8th European Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology. Krakow (Poland), 28 June – 2 July 2011. url: http://www.impan.pl/~ecmtb11/index.php?file=secs.html handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/21100
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
showabstract.pdf

accesso aperto

Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati (All rights reserved)
Dimensione 107.02 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
107.02 kB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10449/21100
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact