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Does avian malaria infection affect feather stable isotope signatures?
Elizabeth Yohannes1, Vaidas Palinauskas, Gediminas Valkiūnas
1Stable Isotope Laboratory, Institute for Limnology, University of Constance, Constance, Germany.
Oecologia
|June 15, 2011
Summary
Malaria parasite infections did not alter carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in common crossbill feathers. Feather isotopes accurately reflect diet, even during heavy parasitic infections.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Isotope Biogeochemistry
- Avian Biology
Background:
- Feather stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) are generally accepted indicators of diet.
- Physiological stress, such as parasitic infections, may potentially alter these isotopic signatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of malaria parasite infections on feather stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in juvenile common crossbills (Loxia curvirostra).
Main Methods:
- Juvenile common crossbills were experimentally infected with two widespread malaria parasites: Plasmodium relictum and Plasmodium ashfordi.
- Feather samples were analyzed for δ13C and δ15N values after a 33-day infection period.
Main Results:
- Experimental birds developed high parasitemia for both malaria lineages.
- No significant differences in feather δ13C and δ15N values were observed between infected and control birds.
Conclusions:
- Heavy malaria parasite infections do not affect the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures in growing feathers.
- Feather isotopes remain reliable indicators of dietary sources, even under significant parasitic challenge in birds.
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