Ectoparasites composition of bats at mangrove area of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu

Abstract

The relationship between bats and their ectoparasites was examined. A total of 112 Megachiropteran were captured, including Cynopterus brachyotis, C. spihinx, C. horsfieldii, Eonycteris splacea and Rousettus amplexicaudatus. As for the ectoparasites, 139 individuals from seven species (four orders) have been collected. The most dominant order with the highest number of species and individuals is diptera, with three species included Nycteribia sp. 1, Nycteribia sp. 2 and Streblib sp., totally 115 individuals; while the most dominant ectoparasite species was Nycteribia sp. 1 with 71 individuals. Others ectoparasites that obtained were Spinturnix paracuminatus and Eyndhovia euryallis from mesostigmata, Ctenocephalides sp. from siphonaptera and Ornithodoros sp. from ixodida. The highest ectoparasites prevalence rates had found in Cynopterus horsfieldi. Ectoparasites were more prevalent on female hosts and lactating hosts, while juvenile hosts had higher infection rate. Factors that influenced ectoparasite composition, prevalence and abundance on different bats species were their roosting habit, age, sex, reproductive status, defense behavioral and microclimate of their body.