Paleoparasitological analysis of a raptor pellet from southern Patagonia

J Parasitol. 2007 Apr;93(2):421-2. doi: 10.1645/GE-989R.1.

Abstract

Organic remains attributable to one regurgitated pellet were examined. The pellet, belonging to a bird of prey and collected from a cave of Southern Patagonia, was dated at 6,540 +/- 110 yr. With standard paleoparasitological procedures, eggs of Capillaria sp. and a mite, Demodex sp., were found. The parasites found in the pellet belong to a rodent ingested by the bird. The present report constitutes the first paleoparasitological study of a regurgitated pellet.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argentina
  • Bird Diseases / history*
  • Bird Diseases / parasitology
  • Capillaria / isolation & purification*
  • Enoplida Infections / history*
  • Enoplida Infections / veterinary
  • Gastrointestinal Contents / parasitology
  • History, Ancient
  • Mite Infestations / history
  • Mite Infestations / veterinary
  • Paleopathology
  • Raptors / parasitology*
  • Rodent Diseases / history*
  • Rodent Diseases / parasitology