Comparison of Blood Values and Health Status of Floreana Mockingbirds (Mimus Trifasciatus) on the Islands of Champion and Gardner-by-Floreana, Galápagos Islands

Floreana Mockingbirds (Mimus trifasciatus) on Gardner-by-Floreana exhibit significantly better health metrics compared to those on Champion Island, including higher body condition index scores, packed cell volumes, and lymphocyte counts, alongside lower heterophil and eosinophil counts. Over four years of monitoring, no evidence of Chlamydophila psittaci DNA or antibodies to paramyxovirus-I, adenovirus-II, or Mycoplasma gallisepticum was detected in either population, though ectoparasites varied between islands. A coccidian species was found exclusively in fecal samples from Gardner-by-Floreana birds. These findings suggest Gardner-by-Floreana as a healthier source population for the ongoing reintroduction plan to Floreana Island, where the main population was extirpated over a century ago. The study integrated physical examinations, hematology, and parasite analysis to assess health status, providing critical data for conservation decisions.

Deem, S. L., Parker, P. G., Cruz, M. B., Merkel, J., & Hoeck, P. E. A. (2011). COMPARISON OF BLOOD VALUES AND HEALTH STATUS OF FLOREANA MOCKINGBIRDS (MIMUS TRIFASCIATUS) ON THE ISLANDS OF CHAMPION AND GARDNER-BY-FLOREANA, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 47(1), 94–106. https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-47.1.94