Abstract

An understanding of ecology and/or zoogeography of the parasitic helminths that are present in Japan is an essential conservation tool for wildlife.^1-3 We have investigated the helminths obtained from Japanese endemic and alien terrestrial vertebrates including reptiles (Trachemys scripta and Chelydra serpentina), birds (Garrulax canorus, Leiothrix lutea, and Cairina moschata var. domestica) and mammals (Callosciurus erythraeus, Myocastor coypus, and Procyon lotor) since 1983. Using cases obtained from our investigations, we aim to provide an overview of 3 types of the host-parasite relationships: 1) between alien vertebrates and alien helminths, 2) between alien vertebrates and endemic helminths, and 3) between endemic vertebrates and alien helminths. Implications for endemic vertebrates affected by alien parasitic helminths and potential strategies for risk reduction were considered.

Acknowledgments

The present survey was supported by a grant-in-aid (no. 14560271) and High Technological Research Center (Rakuno Gakuen University) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan, and Kankyo-Gijyutsu-Kaihatsu-Suishin-Jigyo from the Ministry of the Environment of Japan.

Literature Cited

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2.  Asakawa, M., Y. Suzuki, Y. Kimoto, M.T. Fox. 2001. Parasitic nematodes of pet tortoises in Japan: clinical and ecological viewpoints. In: Proc Assoc Rept Amphib Vet 8th Ann Conf/Joint Conf Amer Assoc Zoo Vet. Sept. 19–23, 2001, Florida, USA. 139–143.

3.  Hasegawa, H., M. Asakawa. 2003. Parasitic helminth fauna of terrestrial vertebrates in Japan. In: M. Otsuru, S. Kamegai, S. Hayashi (eds.). Progress of Medical Parasitology in Japan, vol 7. Meguro Parasitological Museum, Tokyo, Japan. 129–145.