Endoparasites in a Norwegian moose (Alces alces) population – Faunal diversity, abundance and body condition

摘要: Many health surveillance programs for wild cervids do not include routine parasite screening despite evidence that gastrointestinal parasites can affect wildlife population dynamics by influencing host fecundity and survival. Slaughter weights of moose in some regions Norway have been decreasing over recent decades but any role has yet considered. We investigated faunal diversity Hedmark, SE Norway, faecal analysis identification adult abomasal caecal nematodes during the autumn hunting season. related prevalence abundance to estimates body condition, gender age. identified 11 groups. Moose had high nematode (GIN) burdens all individuals were infected. Ostertagia antipini Spiculopteragia alcis most prevalent GINs identified. O. leptospicularis Telodorsagia circumcincta also abomasa while a range other GIN Moniezia sp. eggs, coccidia, Dictyocaulus Protostrongylid larvae found faeces. Female higher mean counts than males, particularly among adults. However, males egg females which may reflect reduction volume with concentration eggs rut. no strong development acquired immunity age, although there was infection younger animals. High several associated poor condition terms slaughter weight relative skeletal size unrelated visually evaluated fat reserves. Given findings from earlier experimental studies, our results imply sub-clinical effects GI on condition. Managers should be aware field assessments reserves reliable indicators parasitism underestimate impacts populations.