Parasite ecology of the endangered lizard Glaucomastix abaetensis in the restinga formations of north-eastern Brazil

Studying the ecological and evolutionary relations between parasites and their hosts is relevant for understanding the biology and conservation of hosts, as it helps to determine which factors influence parasitism, whether intrinsic (sex, age, morphology) or extrinsic (environmental). Glaucomastix abaetensis is an endemic lizard found in the restingas along the northern coast of the state of Bahia, in the north-eastern region of Brazil, and is classified as Endangered. The aim of the present study was to determine the parameters of the parasite ecology of populations of G. abaetensis in two areas with restinga vegetation. Of the 166 individuals studied, 25.3% harboured parasites, with an average infection intensity of 3.63 ± 0.84 (ranging from 1 to 7.6). The results obtained for this species had not been previously documented and may contribute to conservation plans for the species and the ecosystem in which they live, as information on the parasite-host relationship is essential for understanding the interactions of this species within the environment. Keywords: reptiles, hosts, endoparasites, parasite infection, conservation