Ixodes heathi n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a co-endangered tick from the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), with notes on its biology and conservation

M L Kwak; C Madden; L Wicker

doi:10.1007/s10493-018-0312-5

Ixodes heathi n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a co-endangered tick from the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), with notes on its biology and conservation

Exp Appl Acarol. 2018 Nov;76(3):413-419. doi: 10.1007/s10493-018-0312-5. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

Authors

M L Kwak¹, C Madden², L Wicker²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive, Singapore, 117543, Republic of Singapore. mackenziekwak@gmail.com.
² Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Badger Creek Rd, Healesville, VIC, 3777, Australia.

PMID: 30302626
DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0312-5

Abstract

A new species of co-endangered tick, Ixodes heathi n. sp., is described from specimens of the nymph collected on the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus Broom) from the alpine region of Victoria, Australia. Its biology is discussed along with strategies for its conservation.

Keywords: Co-endangered; Holistic conservation; Ixodes heathi; Mountain pygmy possum; Parasite conservation.

MeSH terms

Animals
Conservation of Natural Resources*
Endangered Species*
Female
Ixodes / anatomy & histology*
Ixodes / classification*
Ixodes / growth & development
Ixodes / ultrastructure
Life History Traits*
Male
Marsupialia / parasitology*
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Nymph / anatomy & histology
Nymph / classification
Nymph / growth & development
Nymph / ultrastructure
Victoria