Parasite abundance and diversity in mammals: correlates with host ecology

Watve, MG and Sukumar, R (1995) Parasite abundance and diversity in mammals: correlates with host ecology. In: PNAS, 92 (19). pp. 8945-8949.

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Abstract

Fecally dispersed parasites of 12 wild mammal species in Mudumalai Sanctuary, southern India, were studied, Fecal propagule densities and parasite diversity measures were correlated with host ecological variables. Host species with higher predatory pressure had lower parasite loads and parasite diversity. Host body weight, home range, population density, gregariousness, and diet did not show predicted effects on parasite loads. Measures of a! diversity were positively correlated with parasite abundance and were negatively correlated with beta diversity, Based on these data, hypotheses regarding determinants of parasite community are discussed.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	PNAS
Publisher:	National Academy of Sciences
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to National Academy of Sciences.
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Ecological Sciences
Date Deposited:	23 May 2011 10:21
Last Modified:	23 May 2011 10:21
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/37843

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