6533b82efe1ef96bd12925a7
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Parasites as indicators of social structure and stock identity of marine mammals
Francisco Javier AznarJuan Antonio RagaMercedes FernándezJuan Antonio Balbuenasubject
education.field_of_studyHelminth infectionsParasitologyparasitic diseasesPopulationWildlifeZoologyBiologyeducationStock (geology)description
Abstract Introduction: the use of parasites as biological indicators of marine mammals has not yet received all the necessary attention. The aim of this review is to show the value of parasite data in studies of stock identity and social structure. Methods: the application of the technique to marine mammals is hampered by the lack of control over sampling conditions and the paucity of information about the biology of their parasites. Relevant criteria for, suitable parasite tags are discussed. Case studies: previous work on marine mammals is presented to illustrate the usefulness and limitations of parasite data. A study of pilot whales revealed that differences in helminth infections between two groups of pods conformed with previous evidence suggesting separate stocks. Other investigations have provided valuable information about behavioural features of marine mammals. Studies of whale-lice exemplify the advantages of using directly transmitted ectoparasites. Conclusions: the technique has so far proven more successful in behavioural than in population studies. However, parasite analyses have to the parasites may provide new tools for further studies
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-01-01 |