Identification and Determination of the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of ectoparasites of Partridge (Alectoris chukar) in the Bahramegoor Protected Area

Ectoparasites play a key role in transmission of various pathogens by blood-sucking from birds. The aim of this study was to identify and determine the distribution of ectoparasites of wild partridge (Alectoris chukar) in the Bahramegoor Protected Area (BPA). The method of this research was sampling and identification by morphological, molecular and Phylogenic methods. From the late spring to late fall, 2016, samples were collected. 29 partridge were live-captured by stratified random design method from plain, mountains, hill-valley and garden habitats of the BPA and ectoparasites were collected from partridge’s head by forceps and transferred to glass containing 70% alcohol, then transmitted to the laboratory for identification. The stereoscopic microscope and diagnostic keys of parasitic books as well as molecular methods were used for identifying parasites. All ectoparasites were ticks. A total of 40 ticks were collected, of which 38 ticks (95%) belonged to Ornithodoros genus and Ornithodoros canestrini species and two ticks (5%) belonged to the Hyalomma genus and the Hyalomma sp. species. The Ornithodoros canestrini species was most abundant in the garden habitat (45%) and in the autumn (57.5%) whereas Hyalomma sp. species was found only in the hill-valley habitat (5%) and in the spring (5%).  So, the Ornithodoros canestrini species are known as the dominant species of the area. Due to the importance of these species in transmitting diseases to birds and other wildlife species, appropriate health and management tasks should be taken in place to control and combat these ectoparasites.