Parasite Communities in Scaup Duck

Abstract

Since 2002, major waterbird die-offs have been reported, especially in lesser scaup ducks. Previous research suggests that one of the major causes for the decline is parasitic infection. This project aimed to figure out what different parasites are present in the lesser scaup, and which were more prevalent. Scaup survey data was compared with a checklist of waterfowl infections for significant similarities. Research revealed that 11 core species, including C. bushiensis and S. globulus, were found to be prevalent in scaup. Also, no one Flyway/area is richer than another in all three phylogenetic levels (species, genera, family). Only 9 of the 55 parasite species mentioned in the checklist matched with the species from the more recent scaup surveys.