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A preliminary investigation into the endoparasite load of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Ireland by Amy Haigh; Joanne O’Keeffe; Ruth M. O’Riordan; Fidelma Butler is a Environmental Science article available to read on EtoBox.

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The European hedgehog is strictly protected in the Republic of Ireland but has been little studied. Car casses, such as road kill casualties, can provide valuable information on population demographics, parasite load and general body condition. This study aimed to exa mine the species of endoparasites present in hedgehogs, their prevalence and intensities and whether differences occurred depending on the age and sex of the hedgehog. Carcasses were collected and examined from around Ireland, over a 3year period. In 21 of the 23 hedgehogs examined, endoparasites were identified. The nematode species, Crenosoma triatum and Capillaria erinacei were both positively identified. C. striatium was confined to the lungs, whereas C. erinacei was the most prevalent (87%) endoparasite and occurred in the stomach and intestines. There was a significantly higher load of Crenosoma striatum observed in male hedgehogs compared to females, but no significant difference was observed in the intensity of C. erinacei between the sexes. In all tissues, a greater mean endoparasite load was observed in male hedgehogs. Sex differences in exposure or immunity to parasitism could be related to the males' large

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Author

Amy Haigh; Joanne O’Keeffe; Ruth M. O’Riordan; Fidelma Butler

Publisher

Walter de Gruyter GmbH

Published

2014

Language

EN

Field

Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)