Mixing in Moderation: Slow Transmission of Non-Local Macroparasites Following a Population Augmentation of an Endangered Australian Skink.

ABSTRACT: Translocating threatened wildlife to more suitable habitat is increasingly necessary for conserving biodiversity. However, parasite dynamics in such translocations are poorly characterised, despite their potential importance for influencing translocation success and contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem function. We used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping to evaluate the transmission of parasites with different population origins following a population augmentation of the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis) involving three isolated, wild populations in South Australia. We examined inter-population genetic variation for source and recipient host populations in the ecotoparasitic mite Ophiomegistus michaeli and the nematode pinworm Pharyngodon wandilla

SUBMITTER: Derne BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12530289 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature