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March or get infected: Influence of winter ranging shaped by supplementary feeding on the spread of non-native nematode Ashworthius sidemi in European bison populations.

Authors :
Kołodziej-Sobocińska, Marta
Demiaszkiewicz, Aleksander W.
Filip-Hutsch, Katarzyna
Borowik, Tomasz
Kowalczyk, Rafał
Source :
Journal for Nature Conservation; Dec2023, Vol. 76, pN.PAG-N.PAG, 1p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

• Sup plementary feeding of European bison influence Ashworthius sidemi nematode infection. • Sup plementary fed European bison have higher infection parameters than non-fed ones. • Management strategies may have an impact on pathogen spread in mammalian populations. • Application of adaptive management in reducing threats to protected species is important. Parasitic infections in wildlife are influenced by numerous factors, including those related to wildlife management. This includes sup plementary feeding widespread in numerous ungulates, including European bison. In this paper we analysed the influence of sup plementary feeding and winter ranging of European bison herds on the dynamics, prevalence and infection severity of the blood-sucking nematode Ashworthius sidemi in two areas in NE Poland: the Knyszyn Forest (KF) and the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF) with diversified management strategies. We found significant differences in A. sidemi abundance and intensity between European bison groups; sup plementary fed European bison from the BPF had higher parasitic load (3020 parasites, on average), than non-fed individuals from the KF (1400) and from the BPF (770). The prevalence was relatively high in all groups (93–96 %). In the KF the highest infection rate was observed 9 years after the first appearance of A. sidemi , with a maximum value of 8,620 nematodes; while in the BPF, after just 6 years with maximal load up to 44,310 A. sidemi. The most plausible mechanism behind the observed pattern is probably the winter ranging behaviour of differently managed herds. We found that increasing winter home range size of European bison was associated with a significant reduction in the A. sidemi abundance. Our study shows that different management strategies may have an impact on animal spatial behaviour and associated spread and dynamics of pathogens in mammalian populations, and stresses the importance of adaptive management in reducing threats to wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16171381
Volume :
76
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal for Nature Conservation
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173890251
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126495