Personality predicts ectoparasite abundance in an asocial sciurid

摘要: Parasitism is a consequence of complex interactions between host, parasite, and their shared environment, host behavior can influence parasite risk. Animal personality (i.e., consistent behavioral differences that are repeatable across time context) parasitism with more explorative individuals typically hosting greater loads. Host “sociality” known to impact risk social at higher acquiring or transmitting parasites, but other behaviors could also be important. We quantified in least chipmunks (Tamias minimus), including repeatability traits, determined whether these traits affected ectoparasite prevalence abundance. measured using standardized hole-board tests ectoparasitism 39 over 2 years site southeastern Manitoba, Canada. found activity exploration were within the context test for chipmunks, which suggests reflect personality. More exploratory hosted abundance ectoparasites compared less individuals. Our results past studies implicating as factor host–parasite dynamics suggest may an important correlate acquisition.