Parasites of the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus (Marsupialia:Dasyuridae) in tropical savanna, Northern Territory

Abstract

The ectoparasites of northern quolls, Dasyurus hallucatus, are reported from 79 animals live-trapped at Kapalga Research Station, Kakadu National Park, during 1992–95. The ecto- and endoparasites are reported from 62 dead D. hallucatus during the same period; these were mostly road-kills collected from an 88-km section of the Arnhem Highway between Jabiru and the Northern Entry Station of Kakadu National Park. Tissues from 28 of the road-kills were examined histologically. Additionally, 214 scat samples were examined for ecto- and endoparasites. Seven species of ectoparasite, including two species of tick, a larval trombiculid mite, a louse and two (possibly three) species of flea, and 17 species of endoparasite including a trematode, a larval cestode, 13 species of nematode, a larval pentastome and a protozoan were recorded from D. hallucatus. Sarcocystis sp. was found in tissues but neither Toxoplasma gondii nor Trichinella pseudospiralis were detected in histological sections or tissue digests. Ticks, mites and nematodes were found in scats. The tick Haemaphysalis bancrofti, the flea Echidnophaga aranka and possibly E. ambulans, and the nematodes Mackerrastrongylus peramelis and Cylicospirura heydoni represent new host records for D. hallucatus. Although parasitism was common in D. hallucatus, few individuals harboured large burdens. Consequently, it appears unlikely that parasitism is a major factor contributing to the decline of northern quolls in this region.