Abstract
The helminth community composition of small mammals (insectivores and rodents) in the nature reserve of Sena da
Malcata, a borderline Portuguese ecosystem, has been analysed. The helminthfaunistic studies concern four insectivore species
(Erinaceus europaeus, Neomys anomalus, Crocidura russula and Talpa occidentalis) and six rodent species (Eliomys quercinus,
Arvicola sapidus, Microtus agrestis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus domesticus and M spretus). Moreover, the helminth community of
the wood mouse has been characterised afier the analysis of it community structure and components. The results show a helminth
community of small mammals characterised by a poor qualitative spectrum of helminths, although some of the helminths detected
distinguishes the helminthfauna of small mammals of this enclave within the peninsular context. In particular, the helminth community
of A. syivaticus presents a low diversity, with infracommunities usually made up of only 1 or 2 helminth species. Future studies
ofthese helminth communities may permit the confirmation ofthe present ecological study.
Malcata, a borderline Portuguese ecosystem, has been analysed. The helminthfaunistic studies concern four insectivore species
(Erinaceus europaeus, Neomys anomalus, Crocidura russula and Talpa occidentalis) and six rodent species (Eliomys quercinus,
Arvicola sapidus, Microtus agrestis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus domesticus and M spretus). Moreover, the helminth community of
the wood mouse has been characterised afier the analysis of it community structure and components. The results show a helminth
community of small mammals characterised by a poor qualitative spectrum of helminths, although some of the helminths detected
distinguishes the helminthfauna of small mammals of this enclave within the peninsular context. In particular, the helminth community
of A. syivaticus presents a low diversity, with infracommunities usually made up of only 1 or 2 helminth species. Future studies
ofthese helminth communities may permit the confirmation ofthe present ecological study.
| Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 89-92 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Revista Ibérica de Parasitologia |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
Keywords
- helminths
- small mammals
- Portugal
- Insectivores
- Rodents