Ecology of Endoparasites of the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica grabae) (Alcidae: Charadriiformes): Vistfrøðin hjá innvortis Sníkum í Lunda {Fratercula arctica grabae) (Alcidae: Charadriiformes)

Abstract

The first extensive study on the endoparasitic fauna in Ihe Atlantic puffin is reported. A total of 173 puffins were collected at breeding sites at a colony in Nólsoy (Faroe Islands). Host-parasite relationships including life-history characteristics, host fitness and age, prevalence of infestation and seasonal variation are discussed. One digenean species (Gymnophallus sp.), two cestode
species (Alcataenia sp. and a member of the family Hymenolepidae), three nematode species (Streptocara sp., Seuratia sp. and Contracaecum sp.), and one pentastome species (Reighardia sp.) were found. There was no negative effect on bird fitness owing to the presence of parasites. The prevalence and intensity of parasite infestation in Faroese puffins are lower than in other seabird species, namely, fulmars, great shearwaters and gulls.