Increasing prevalence of avian poxvirus in Darwin's finches and its effect on male pairing success

摘要: Island populations harbour a comparatively species-poor pathogen community, often resulting in naive host species that experience compromised immunity when faced with novel diseases. Over 95% of the Galapagos avifauna have survived 400 years human settlement, yet currently face threats due to introduced diseases such as avian poxvirus. On Hawaii, declining birds and even some extinctions been attributed poxvirus, hence, identifying prevalence fitness costs poxvirus on is conservation priority. Surveys Darwin's finches Santa Cruz between 2000 2004 found 33% annual increase pox lesions ground finches. Comparisons three islands (Santa Cruz, Floreana, Isabela) were made 2004, which indicated significant variation across (Isabela>Santa Cruz>Floreana). finch be differentially affected by higher than tree There was effect habitat, within species, lowlands highlands. Pox not correlated sex or body condition. However, male small Geospiza fuliginosa evidence less likely mate (16.6% paired) compared males without (77% paired), indicating associated infection.