STRUCTURE, STABILITY AND SPECIES INTERACTIONS IN HELMINTH COMMUNITIES OF WOOD MICE, APODEMUS-SYLVATICUS

摘要: The helminths of the alimentary tract wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus, were studied at two sites over a 33-month period. Nine helminth species recovered regularly. All but one was absent for least 1 month. Monthly samples from these communities more similar to taken in following month than progressively greater intervals up year. Helminth both sites, however, had cyclical elements. Comparison mean similarity indices faunas 33 monthly and those data sets generated by four null models suggests that observed values did not differ model where relative abundance each determined randomly with specific maxima absences based on data. Loss may decrease measurements community stability while persistence abundant increases stability. A. sylvaticus six localities same time year 5-year indicated some changed radically others remained virtually unchanged. considerable variation different related proximity or gross habitat characteristics. Nematospiroides dubius, Corrigia vitta Capillaria murissylvatici important discriminating between parasite sites. Abundance Syphacia stroma varied considerably spatial surveys reflecting differences host population dynamics 2 years. present report elsewhere Ireland suggest composition associated be stable wider geographical scale. There neither strong nor consistent positive negative interactions pairs species. It is concluded characteristics this community, terms abundance, are product biology independent rather interspecific interactions. Variation role competition discussed.