Ectoparasites of rabbits and hares in Manitoba, Canada, with observations on age-specific dispersal in Haemodipsus setoni (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae)

2012 ◽  
Vol 144 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry D. Galloway
Keyword(s):  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Mean Intensity ◽  
Pulex Irritans ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Eastern Cottontail ◽  
First Time

AbstractDuring 1994–2008, 58 adult and 195 juvenile eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus (Allen)), one adult and 23 juvenile snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben), and eight adult white-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus townsendii Bachman) (Mammalia: Leporidae) were examined for ectoparasites. The most abundant ectoparasite on cottontails was the sucking louse, Haemodipsus setoni Ewing (Phthiraptera; Polyplacidae), recorded from this host for the first time. Infestations in adult and juvenile cottontails were highly aggregated, k = 0.136 and 0.153, respectively. Prevalence of infestation in adult cottontails was 70.6%, with a mean intensity of 5614.1 (range: 1–166 249); 10 adults had more than 1000 lice. In juvenile cottontails, prevalence was 34.8% and mean intensity was 6.2 (range: 1–87). On adult cottontails, 73.4% of the total lice were nymphs, while on juvenile cottontails only 11.6% were nymphs. It appears that dispersal from parents to offspring is overwhelmingly achieved by adult lice. Seventeen adult cottontails were infested with the tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard) (Acari: Ixodidae). No fleas specific to rabbits were collected but small numbers of the rodent fleas Monopsyllus vison (Baker), Orchopeas caedens (Jordan), and Aetheca wagneri (Baker) (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) were recorded. Only one snowshoe hare was infested with H. setoni and three were infested with H. leporispalustris; no fleas were found on snowshoe hares. Two white-tailed jackrabbits were infested with H. leporispalustris; one carried Pulex irritans Linnaeus (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), and none carried lice.

scholarly journals Patterns and potential drivers of intraspecific variability in the body elemental composition of a terrestrial consumer, the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Rizzuto ◽  
Shawn J. Leroux ◽  
Eric Vander Wal ◽  
Yolanda F. Wiersma ◽  
Travis R. Heckford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Weak Relationship ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
P Content

AbstractIntraspecific variability in ecological traits is widespread in nature. Recent evidence, mostly from aquatic ecosystems, shows individuals differing at the most fundamental level, that of their chemical composition. Age, sex, or body size may be key drivers of intraspecific variability in the body concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). However, we still have a rudimentary understanding of the patterns and drivers of intraspecific variability in chemical composition of terrestrial consumers, particularly vertebrates.Here, we investigate the whole-body chemical composition of snowshoe hare Lepus americanus, providing one of the few studies of patterns of stoichiometric variability and its potential drivers for a terrestrial vertebrate. Based on snowshoe hare ecology, we expected higher P and N concentrations in females, as well as in larger and older individuals.We obtained whole-body C, N, and P concentrations and C:N, C:P, N:P ratios from a sample of 50 snowshoe hares. We then used general linear models to test for evidence of a relationship between age, sex, or body size and stoichiometric variability in hares.We found considerable variation in the C, N, and P concentrations and elemental ratios within our sample. Contrary to our predictions, we found evidence of N content decreasing with age. As expected, we found evidence of P content increasing with body size. As well, we found no support for a relationship between sex and N or P content, nor for variability in C content and any of our predictor variables.Despite finding considerable stoichiometric variability in our sample, we found no substantial support for age, sex, or body size to relate to this variation. The weak relationship between body N concentration and age may suggest varying nutritional requirements of individuals at different ages. Conversely, P’s weak relationship to body size appears in line with recent evidence of the potential importance of P in terrestrial systems. Snowshoe hares are a keystone herbivore in the boreal forest of North America. The substantial stoichiometric variability we find in our sample could have important implications for nutrient dynamics in both boreal and adjacent ecosystems.

What factors determine cyclic amplitude in the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) cycle?

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (12) ◽  
pp. 1039-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles J. Krebs ◽  
John Bryant ◽  
Knut Kielland ◽  
Mark O’Donoghue ◽  
Frank Doyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Forest Succession ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Amplitude Variation ◽  
Regional Monitoring ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Existing Data

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) fluctuate in 9–10 year cycles throughout much of their North American range. These cycles show large variations in cyclic amplitude and we ask what factors could cause amplitude variation. We gathered data from 1976 to 2012 on hare numbers in the boreal forest of Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia to describe the amplitude of hare fluctuations and to evaluate four possible causes. First, weather could cause variation in amplitude via hare reproduction or survival, but this mechanism does not fit our data. Second, bottom-up processes involving forest succession could explain amplitude variation through changes in winter forage availability, but succession is too slow a variable in our study areas. Third, plant defenses entrained by hare over-browsing in one cycle can produce variation in plant quality and quantity in subsequent cycles. A mathematical model suggests this is a possible explanation. Fourth, predator recovery following the cyclic low is inversely related to hare cyclic amplitude, and the existing data are consistent with this mechanism. A standardized regional monitoring program is needed to improve our understanding of cyclic amplitude variation in hares and the possible role of predators and winter foods in affecting amplitude.

scholarly journals Serologic Survey of Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) in the Greater Yellowstone Area for Brucellosis, Tularemia, and Snowshoe Hare Virus

2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 769-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Rhyan ◽  
Dan Tyers ◽  
Jeremy Zimmer ◽  
Kristen Lewandowski ◽  
Steve Hennager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Greater Yellowstone Area ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Greater Yellowstone ◽  
Serologic Survey

Antibodies to Francisella tularensis in the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus struthopus) populations of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and in the moose (Alces alces americana Clinton) population of Nova Scotia

1982 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. B. Akerman ◽  
J. A. Embil
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Francisella Tularensis ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Alces Alces ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Serological Survey ◽  
First Report ◽  
Snowshoe Hares

A serological survey showed antibodies to Francisella tularensis present in 1.55% of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus struthopus) and 1.06% of moose (Alces alces americana Clinton) sampled in Nova Scotia. No antibody-positive hares were found in Prince Edward Island, however. We believe this to be the first report of antibodies to F. tularensis in the moose.

scholarly journals California encephalitis virus endemicity in the Yukon Territory, 1972

1973 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 391-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. McLean ◽  
Alison M. Clarke ◽  
E. J. Goddard ◽  
A. S. Manes ◽  
C. A. Montalbetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Tree Squirrels ◽  
Culiseta Inornata ◽  
Aedes Communis

SUMMARYSera from 218 of 1574 (14%) small mammals collected in the Yukon Territory between 14 May and 13 August 1972 neutralized a Yukon strain of California encephalitis virus (snowshoe-hare subtype). These included 133 of 319 (42%) snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), 84 of 1243 (7%) ground squirrels (Citellus undulatus) and 1 of 12 (8%) tree squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). California encephalitis virus (snow-shoe hare subtype) was isolated from four pools of unengorged Aedes communis mosquitoes collected near Whitehorse (61° N., 135° W.) and on one occasion each from pools of the same species collected at Hunker Creek (64° N., 138° W.) and at mile 125, Dempster Highway (66° N., 138° W.) during July 1972. Replication of a Yukon strain of California encephalitis virus was observed in wild-caught Culiseta inornata and Aedes canadensis mosquitoes after intrathoracic injection and holding at temperatures of 80°, 50° and 40° F.

scholarly journals Exotic Species and Autochthonous Parasites: Trichostrongylus Retortaeformis in Eastern Cottontail

Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Gontero ◽  
Angela Fanelli ◽  
Stefania Zanet ◽  
Pier Giuseppe Meneguz ◽  
Paolo Tizzani
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Community ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasite ◽  
European Brown Hare ◽  
Parasite Communities ◽  
Exotic Pathogens ◽  
Eastern Cottontail ◽  
Wild Lagomorphs ◽  
First Time ◽  
Autochthonous Species

Introduction: A parasite community is usually well adapted and specific to the host species they co-evolved with. Although exotic pathogens infecting autochthonous species have been documented, the infection of an alien species with native parasites is rare in lagomorphs. Trichostrongylus retortaeformis is a nematode parasite infecting the small intestine of domestic and wild lagomorphs in Europe. Methods: Thirty-two Eastern cottontails from a naturalized population in Italy were processed to describe the gastrointestinal parasite community. Results and discussions: T. retortaeformis is reported for the first time in the Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus introduced to Europe. The Eastern cottontail is an invasive lagomorph, living in sympatry with the autochthonous European brown hare in certain areas of Italy. This study provides new insights into the dynamics of parasite communities of native and alien lagomorph species in sympatric areas.

Description of nine species of Eimeria (Protozoa, Eimeriidae) in the snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus, of central Alberta

1977 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 1671-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. P. Samoil ◽  
W. M. Samuel
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Genus Eimeria

Nine species of the genus Eimeria were found during the examination of 629 snowshoe hares from central Alberta. Four, E. robertsoni, E. leporis, E. ruficaudati, and E. townsendi, described previously from other leporids, are redescribed; while five, E. athabascensis, E. keithi, E. holmesi, E. rochesterensis, and E. rowani are described as new species. The nine species belong to four groups of morphologically similar species. Species were distinguished on the basis of morphology, primarily the presence or absence of oocyst and sporocyst residua and a micropyle, and statistical analysis of oocyst and sporocyst measurements. The eimerians of all lagomorphs are reviewed and a key to the 19 species from Lepus spp. is presented.

scholarly journals Estimating snowshoe hare population density from pellet plots: a further evaluation

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles J Krebs ◽  
Rudy Boonstra ◽  
Vilis Nams ◽  
Mark O'Donoghue ◽  
Karen E Hodges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Fecal Pellets ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Hare Population

We counted fecal pellets of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) once a year in 10 areas in the southwestern Yukon from 1987 to 1996. Pellets in eighty 0.155-m2 quadrats were counted and cleared each June on all areas, and we correlated these counts with estimates of absolute hare density obtained by intensive mark–recapture methods in the same areas. There is a strong relationship between pellet counts and population density (r = 0.76), and we present a predictive log–log regression to quantify this relationship, which improves on our previously published 1987 regression, particularly at low hare densities. The precision of density estimates can be improved most easily by increasing the number of sets of quadrats in an area (one set = 80 plots), rather than increasing the number of plots counted within one set. The most important question remaining concerns the generality of this relationship for snowshoe hares living in other habitats in the eastern and southern portions of their geographic range.

scholarly journals Use of Spruce Plantations by Snowshoe Hare in New Brunswick

1984 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Parker
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Animal Damage ◽  
Silvicultural Management ◽  
Snowshoe Hares

Spruce plantations in New Brunswick were examined for seasonal use by snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). Summer live capture frequencies of adults and winter pellet densities served as indices of summer and winter use, respectively. Hares preferred plantations 11-16 years old both winter and summer. Winter use was correlated with the use (food) of deciduous tree and shrub twigs ≤ 2 m high and the availability (cover) and use (food) of conifer twigs ≤ 2 m high. Summer use was correlated with the availability (cover) of conifer twigs only. Hare densities were lowest in plantations supporting spruce twig densities ≤ 30/m2 and highest where densities > 120/m2. Deciduous twigs were browsed more intensively than conifer twigs. Elimination of potential cover (brush, slash, residual scrub conifer) should reduce damage to young spruce from hare browsing during the first few years after planting. Key words: Spruce plantations, snowshoe hare, New Brunswick, silvicultural management, forestry, animal damage.

scholarly journals Climate factors related to localized changes in snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) occupancy

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.M. Burt ◽  
G.J. Roloff ◽  
D.R. Etter
Keyword(s):  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Site Occupancy ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Climate Variables ◽  
Climate Factors ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
A Site

Information on climate that influences snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) can inform adaptation strategies. We identified climate factors correlated with localized changes in occupancy of snowshoe hares in Michigan, USA. A change in occupancy occurred if a site (∼7.5 ha) knowingly occupied by hares sometime in the past became unoccupied. We used local ecological knowledge to map sites where hares historically occurred and to assign a year of last-known occupancy. At 134 historically occupied sites, we conducted snow track surveys in 2013 to determine current occupancy status. We identified climate variables having relevance to hare population demographics and modeled the likelihood that those variables influenced current occupancy status. The top-ranking model included maximum temperature from 15 May to 19 January; as maximum temperature increased, the likelihood of a site becoming unoccupied increased. The second-ranked model included total number of days with measurable snow on the ground; as days with snow on the ground decreased, the likelihood of a site becoming unoccupied increased. Our data indicated that site occupancy status of hares can be described by climate variables and that the southern edge of snowshoe hare distribution in Michigan shifted northward by ∼45 km over the last 20 years.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document