Lizards as predators of guano-producing seabirds ectoparasites

Authors

  • José Pérez Instituto del Mar del Perú
  • Jaime Jahncke Instituto del Mar del Perú

Keywords:

Guano-producing seabirds, lizards, Microlophus peruvianus, ectoparasites, Ornitodoros amblus

Abstract

The high densities of Peruvian guano-producing seabird colonies permit rapid transmission of ectoparasites, being the tick Ornitodoros amblus the main species and the one that causes the death of chicks. The lizard Microlophus peruvianus was introduced to Peruvian guano islands to forage on these ectoparasites. This study has shown that saurids population predate on ectoparasites in the three studied areas (Isla Lobos de Tierra, La Vieja and Punta Coles), feeding on a high proportion of ticks O. amblus and also on a small proportion of lice (Mallophaga) and flat-flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). From the three species of studied saurids, M. peruvianus is the one that feeds on a higher amount of ticks. This species may be the most appropriate for using as biological controler for ectoparasites on guano-producing seabirds.

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References

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Published

1998-12-31

How to Cite

Pérez, J., & Jahncke, J. (1998). Lizards as predators of guano-producing seabirds ectoparasites. Boletin Instituto Del Mar Del Perú, 17(1-2), 81–86. Retrieved from https://revistas.imarpe.gob.pe/index.php/boletin/article/view/175

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