Ectoparasites of a Threatened Insular Endemic Mammalian Carnivore: The Island Spotted Skunk

Abstract

Parasites have been identified as potential threats to mammalian carnivores, particularly insular species. We evaluated external parasites on island spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis amphiala), a threatened insular endemic carnivore on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands of the California Channel Islands (USA). We identified fleas (Pulex irritans, Nosopsyllus fasciatus), lice (Neotrichodectes mephitidis) and ticks (Ixodes pacificus, I. kingi). Results suggest potential host-switching by ectoparasites among the native and introduced fauna on the islands, possibly due to the paucity of both potential hosts and ectoparasite species. Sharing of ectoparasites enhances the possibility of disease transmission between carnivores via ectoparasite vectors.