Coccidian assemblages in the Wyoming ground squirrel, Spermophilus elegans elegans

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Mammalian Biology

Background:

• Ground squirrels are important components of western North American ecosystems.
• Intestinal parasites can impact wildlife health and population dynamics.
• Coccidia, specifically Eimeria species, are common protozoan parasites in rodents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify intestinal parasite infections in Wyoming ground squirrels (Spermophilus elegans elegans).
• To determine the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species within ground squirrel populations.
• To investigate potential associations between Eimeria infections, host demographics, and helminth presence.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and intestinal parasite examination of 1,019 Wyoming ground squirrels from four southern Wyoming populations.
• Identification of coccidia species (Eimeria spp.) and helminths.
• Statistical analysis, including log-linear models, to assess infection prevalence and associations.

Main Results:

• Six species of Eimeria were the most prevalent intestinal parasites, with most squirrels infected by two or more species.
• The Eimeria assemblage was consistent across populations and sampling years.
• No significant differences in infection prevalence were found based on host age or sex; helminth presence was independent of Eimeria.

Conclusions:

• Wyoming ground squirrels harbor a diverse and stable assemblage of Eimeria species.
• Specific Eimeria species exhibited significant positive associations in co-infections.
• Further research is warranted to understand the ecological and health implications of these coccidian infections in ground squirrel populations.