Multiple Lineages of Avian Malaria Parasites ( Plasmodium ) in the Galapagos Islands and Evidence for Arrival via Migratory Birds

A comprehensive screen of Galápagos birds revealed multiple lineages of avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium), with one lineage established across the archipelago while others appeared transient. Notably, two ephemeral lineages matched those found in migratory Bobolinks, suggesting a potential pathway for pathogen introduction via bird migration. The study combined molecular and microscopy techniques to analyze 3,726 endemic birds, uncovering that Galápagos birds may act as dead-end hosts due to the absence of gametocytes. These findings highlight the need for conservation strategies focused on mitigating introduced diseases, particularly those arriving through migratory species.

LEVIN, I. I., ZWIERS, P., DEEM, S. L., GEEST, E. A., HIGASHIGUCHI, J. M., IEZHOVA, T. A., JIMÉNEZ‐UZCÁTEGUI, G., KIM, D. H., MORTON, J. P., PERLUT, N. G., RENFREW, R. B., SARI, E. H. R., VALKIUNAS, G., & Parker, P. G. (2013). Multiple Lineages of Avian Malaria Parasites ( Plasmodium ) in the Galapagos Islands and Evidence for Arrival via Migratory Birds. Conservation Biology, 27(6), 1366–1377. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12127