Download Dr. John Stuht Wildlife Biologist, Michigan

Blood Parasites of Crested Anoles on St. John
John Stuht
Abstract: Crested Anoles (Anolis cristatellus wileyae) captured in the vicinity of Greater
Lameshur Bay in June 2003 and 2004 were infected with one or more species of hematozoa.
These were the only parasites seen and red blood cells were the only cells seen infected. Infected
anoles were found in all habitats examined from sea level to the top of Bordeaux Mountain. Both
males and females of all age classes examined appeared to be equally infected. Many of the
anoles were infected with more than one species of parasite. Individual cells infected with
multiple parasites were not uncommon. Individual cells were occasionally also parasitized by
two species. Parasitemia appeared to vary considerably. Only a single parasite was often seen in
an entire blood smear. At other times there were many parasites in nearly every field examined.
There was no obvious evidence noted to suggest the infections were harmful. One of the
parasites was identified as Plasmodium floridense. The genotype of this parasite was unique but
closely resembled a reference strain of P. floridense from Puerto Rico. The other parasites were
thought to be un-described species of haemogregarines (most likely hepatozoon) and/or
haemococcidians, and perhaps an un-described species of Plasmodium.
Observations on Parasitism and the Biology of White-tailed Deer on St. John
Abstract: Multiple visits to the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station at various times
from 2000 to 2005 have allowed for many observations on the biology, behavior and parasitism
of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on St. John. The information in this report applies
specifically to the south shore of the island where most of the observations have been made thus
far. Deer on this part of the island appear to be smaller but look much like white-tailed deer
across most of North America. Their physical condition in spring and fall seems to be associated
with food conditions, which appear in turn to be associated with rainfall. The deer can be aged
equally well by either the tooth wear or cementum annuli methods. Social behavior, flight
behavior and vocalization are typical of white-tailed deer in northern latitudes. Usually one or
two spotted fawns are born to adult females in May and June. The pregnancy rate is unknown. It
appears fawns do not breed and yearlings may not breed often. The vast majority of fawns living
beyond one year appear to be males. Pre natal, post natal and adult mortality rates are unknown.
The summer coat of adults and fawns is red brown. By late September and November it has been
replaced by the typical gray brown winter coat of deer in the northern latitudes. Antlers on males
are polished and signs of rutting activities are evident by November. Prior to control efforts by
the National Park Service, predation by dogs was common and may well have been a limiting
factor. The herd seems to be increasing slowly. Evidence of excessive browsing damage to
vegetation has been mostly absent thus far. Deer appear to be generally in good health and seem
remarkably free of intestinal parasites; particularly those whose life cycle involves intermediate
hosts. Ova of strongyles are common in feces as are oocysts of coccidia. A few ova of Moniezia
sp. and Trichuris sp. have also been seen in feces. The tropical horse tick (Anocentor
nitens)=[Dermacentor nitens] appears to be a common ectoparasite.
John Stuht, M.P.H. PhD, University of Michigan. Retired Wildlife Biologist, 9707 Peacock Rd.
Laingsburg MI 48848, [email protected], 517-651-6494