Ticks parasitizing reptiles in the Bahamas

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Ecology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Reptile ticks are important vectors of disease and can impact host health.
• The Bahama Islands harbor unique reptile fauna, some of which may be susceptible to tick infestations.
• Previous surveys have not documented the presence of Amblyomma dissimile or Amblyomma torrei in the Bahama Islands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the presence and distribution of Amblyomma dissimile and Amblyomma torrei in the Bahama Islands.
• To identify the reptile hosts for these newly reported tick species.
• To provide baseline data on tick infestation levels in Bahamian reptiles.

Main Methods:

• Field surveys were conducted on Andros Island and the Exuma Islands.
• Reptiles were captured and examined for the presence of ticks.
• Tick species were identified morphologically.
• Host species and tick burdens were recorded.

Main Results:

• Two species of reptile ticks, Amblyomma dissimile and Amblyomma torrei, were identified for the first time in the Bahama Islands.
• Amblyomma dissimile was found on the Andros iguana (Cyclura cychlura cychlura), Andros curly tail lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus coryi), and Andros boa (Epicrates striatus fowleri).
• Amblyomma torrei was found on the Exuma iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi).
• High mean tick burdens were observed, with up to 36.6 ticks per host for A. dissimile and 25.8 for A. torrei.

Conclusions:

• The Bahama Islands represent a new geographic record for Amblyomma dissimile and Amblyomma torrei.
• Native Bahamian reptiles serve as hosts for these tick species.
• The findings highlight the need for further research on tick-borne diseases and their impact on Bahamian wildlife.