Gastrointestinal helminths of two Storm Petrel species, Oceanites oceanicus and Fregetta tropica, from Antarctica

Abstract

Abstract Although knowledge about parasitic diseases in Antarctic birds is scarce, an increasing number of studies are currently being carried out in this area. The importance of the host-parasite relationship in Antarctic seabirds is key to understanding trophic ecology and epidemiology of infection diseases, especially in those birds with extensive migratory routes that can act as reservoirs and distributors of diseases. This study aims to provide information on helminths of two Storm Petrel species, the Wilson’s storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus and the Black-bellied storm-petrel Fregetta tropica. Twenty individuals were analysed: 18 O. oceanicus (8 adults, 10 chicks) and 2 F. tropica (adults); 89% of the O. oceanicus were parasitized with the nematode Stegophorus macronectes, whereas 100% of F. tropica was parasitized by at least one of three parasite species identified: S. macronectes, Seuratiasp., and Tetrabothrius sp. The low richness of parasites observed is associated with a stenophagic diet. However, a clear difference is observed between both species related to a higher fish ingestion by F. tropica, unlike O. oceanicus with a higher ingestion of krill.