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      Diversity and distribution of ectoparasite taxa associated with Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), an opportunistic commensal rodent species in South Africa

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          Abstract

          Abstract

          South Africa boasts a rich diversity of small mammals of which several are commensal and harbour parasites of zoonotic importance. However, limited information is available on the parasite diversity and distribution associated with rodents in South Africa. This is particularly relevant for Micaelamys namaquensis (Namaqua rock mouse), a regionally widespread and locally abundant species that is often commensal. To address the paucity of data, the aims of the study were to record the ectoparasite diversity associated with M. namaquensis and develop distribution maps of lice and mites associated with M. namaquensis and other rodents in South Africa. Micaelamys namaquensis individuals ( n = 216) were obtained from 12 localities representing multiple biomes during 2017–2018. A total of 5591 ectoparasites representing 5 taxonomic groups – fleas, lice, mesostigmatid mites, chiggers and ticks was recorded. These consisted of at least 57 taxa of which ticks were the most speciose (20 taxa). Novel contributions include new host and locality data for several ectoparasite taxa and undescribed chigger species. Known vector species were recorded which included fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis, Dinopsyllus ellobius and Xenopsylla brasiliensis) and ticks ( Haemaphysalis elliptica, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus simus). Locality records indicate within-taxon geographic differences between the 2 louse species and the 2 most abundant mite species. It is clear that M. namaquensis hosts a rich diversity of ectoparasite taxa and, as such, is an important rodent species to monitor in habitats where it occurs in close proximity to humans and domestic animals.

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          Parasitology meets ecology on its own terms: Margolis et al. revisited.

          We consider 27 population and community terms used frequently by parasitologists when describing the ecology of parasites. We provide suggestions for various terms in an attempt to foster consistent use and to make terms used in parasite ecology easier to interpret for those who study free-living organisms. We suggest strongly that authors, whether they agree or disagree with us, provide complete and unambiguous definitions for all parameters of their studies.
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            The Mammals of the Southern African Sub-region

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              Effects of sample size on accuracy of species distribution models

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                Author and article information

                Journal
                Parasitology
                Parasitology
                PAR
                Parasitology
                Cambridge University Press (Cambridge, UK )
                0031-1820
                1469-8161
                August 2022
                01 June 2022
                : 149
                : 9
                : 1229-1248
                Affiliations
                [1 ]Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University , Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
                [2 ]Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences , Saint Petersburg, Russia
                [3 ]Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University , Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
                [4 ]Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University , PO Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
                Author notes
                Author for correspondence: S. Matthee, E-mail: smatthee@ 123456sun.ac.za
                Author information
                https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7289-6262
                Article
                S0031182022000750
                10.1017/S0031182022000750
                10090637
                35641880
                8b12478e-9a04-46bd-96b0-51251a01fac0
                © The Author(s) 2022

                This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.

                History
                : 31 March 2022
                : 16 May 2022
                : 23 May 2022
                Page count
                Figures: 3, Tables: 7, References: 126, Pages: 20
                Funding
                Funded by: South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, doi http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100006312;
                Award ID: 128323
                Funded by: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, doi http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100012190;
                Award ID: 1021051603202-7
                Funded by: National Research Foundation, doi http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001321;
                Award ID: 85718
                Categories
                Research Article

                Parasitology
                distribution maps,ectoparasite diversity,micaelamys namaquensis,south africa,vectors
                Parasitology
                distribution maps, ectoparasite diversity, micaelamys namaquensis, south africa, vectors

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