GAPEWORM (SYNGAMUS SPP.) PREVALENCE IN WISCONSIN GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKENS (TYMPANUCHUS CUPIDO PINNATUS)

Area of Science:

• Wildlife ecology
• Avian parasitology
• Conservation biology

Background:

• The greater prairie chicken (GRPC; Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) is a threatened species in Wisconsin since 1976.
• Parasitic infections can impact the health and survival of threatened wildlife populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pilot study on the prevalence and intensity of gapeworms (Syngamus spp.) in female Wisconsin greater prairie chickens.
• To inform conservation and management strategies for this threatened avian species.

Main Methods:

• Captured 62 female GRPCs from two monitored populations in Wisconsin during 2014-2015 using walk-in traps and night lighting.
• Examined 15 carcasses of radio-marked birds, primarily from predation events, through dissection.
• Identified and quantified gapeworm infections in the collected specimens.

Main Results:

• Gapeworm infection was identified in 20% of the examined female GRPC carcasses.
• The intensity of gapeworm infection ranged from 4 to 74 worms per infected bird.
• This indicates a notable presence of Syngamus spp. in the studied populations.

Conclusions:

• Gapeworm infections are present in Wisconsin's threatened greater prairie chicken populations.
• Further research is warranted to understand the impact of gapeworms on GRPC health and population dynamics.
• Findings contribute to the ecological knowledge base for managing threatened avian species.