Ectoparasites of non-volant small mammals in a fragmented Cerrado landscape in central Brazil

Abstract

The diversity of ectoparasites and their relationships with hosts in the fragmented landscape of central Brazil is still poorly understood. This study investigated the ectoparasite communities of mesostigmata mites, ticks, and fleas associated with non-volant small mammals in southern Goiás, Brazil. From January 2020 to May 2022, 10 quarterly field campaigns were conducted, with each lasting from 5 to 7 nights. The captured small mammals were screened for ectoparasites. Order Mesostigmata (n = 8 species) was the predominate group of parasites found on the small mammals, while Siphonaptera (n = 2 species) was found only on Gracilinanus agilis. Gigantolaelaps wolffsohni (n = 80 individuals) was the most frequently found parasitic species, occurring on 1 marsupial (Didelphis albiventris) and 3 rodent species (Calomys tener, Hylaeamys megacephalus, and Oecomys cleberi). This study addresses a knowledge gap by documenting the ectoparasite fauna associated with non-volant small mammals in a fragmented portion of the Cerrado in central Brazil. Knowing the identity of these ectoparasites is essential to understanding species distribution and richness patterns, especially in an anthropogenically altered ecosystems.