Resumen de Avian hemoparasites distribution in an altitudinal transect in Colombia
Estela Nubia Matta, Daniela González Angie, Ligia Inés Moncada
The hemoparasites present in birds from the Otún river high basin, were studied in four locations forming an altitudinal transect between 2100 and 3950 masl. The birds were captured using mist nets from April 2010 to January 2012, totaling 7253 hours-net sample effort making 783 captures that represent 100 species from 21 families. Blood samples were collected by distal nail cut or brachial vein puncture, for each bird three blood smears were made, and diagnosed by light microscopy. The genus: Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma were determined, with overall frequency of 6%. At 2400 masl the higher hemoparasite frequency (18%) was founded, decreasing to 2% at 3950 masl where only parasites belonging to the Leucocytozoon genus were founded. These genus infection frequencies varied according altitude and host family and species. The species: Hemispingus atropileus, Hemispingus superciliaris, Zonotrichia capensis, Turdus fuscater, Atlapetes pallidinucha, Atlapetes albinucha, Arremon brunneinucha, Anisognatus somptuosus, Dacnis cayana were the most frequently infected. The altitude effect on hemoparasite distribution is associated with abiotic conditions that could affect vectors and birds distribution, because, the parasite, host, vector relationship requires the sympatric and synchronic circulation of its components. Worldwide, this study is pioneer at this altitude.
