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Influence of geographical scale on the detection of density dependence in the host-parasite system, Arvicola terrestris and Taenia taeniaeformis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2005

J. DETER
Affiliation:
INRA, UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations (CBGP), Campus international de Baillarguet, CS 30 016 – 34 988 Montferrier sur Lez, France
K. BERTHIER
Affiliation:
INRA, UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations (CBGP), Campus international de Baillarguet, CS 30 016 – 34 988 Montferrier sur Lez, France
Y. CHAVAL
Affiliation:
INRA, UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations (CBGP), Campus international de Baillarguet, CS 30 016 – 34 988 Montferrier sur Lez, France
J. F. COSSON
Affiliation:
INRA, UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations (CBGP), Campus international de Baillarguet, CS 30 016 – 34 988 Montferrier sur Lez, France
S. MORAND
Affiliation:
INRA, UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations (CBGP), Campus international de Baillarguet, CS 30 016 – 34 988 Montferrier sur Lez, France
N. CHARBONNEL
Affiliation:
INRA, UMR Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations (CBGP), Campus international de Baillarguet, CS 30 016 – 34 988 Montferrier sur Lez, France
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Abstract

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Infection by the cestode Taenia taeniaeformis was investigated within numerous cyclic populations of the fossorial water vole Arvicola terrestris sampled during 4 years in Franche-Comté (France). The relative influence of different rodent demographic parameters on the presence of this cestode was assessed by considering (1) the demographic phase of the cycle; (2) density at the local geographical scale (<0·1 km2); (3) mean density at a larger scale (>10 km2). The local scale corresponded to the rodent population (intermediate host), while the large scale corresponded to the definitive host population (wild and feral cats). General linear models based on analyses of 1804 voles revealed the importance of local density but also of year, rodent age, season and interactions between year and season and between age and season. Prevalence was significantly higher in low vole densities than during local outbreaks. By contrast, the large geographical scale density and the demographic phase had less influence on infection by the cestode. The potential impacts of the cestode on the fitness of the host were assessed and infection had no effect on the host body mass, litter size or sexual activity of voles.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2005 Cambridge University Press