Description of Skrjabinoclava pharyngophila n. sp. (Nematoda: Acuariidae) from the oropharynx of the sacred kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus (Vigors & Horsfield) in New Zealand

The sacred kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus is a widespread bird species that is non-migratory in New Zealand, in contrast to elsewhere in the world. We describe a new species of Skrjabinoclava, a genus of acuariid nematodes, recovered from the oropharynx of sacred kingfishers in New Zealand. This is the first record of Skrjabinoclava in Australasia and the first publicly available DNA sequence for the genus. Skrjabinoclava pharyngophila n. sp. is unique in its infection site, occupying the oropharyngeal mucosa, which is atypical for Skrjabinoclava species, which usually infect the proventriculus or oesophagus. Morphological and molecular analyses confirm the distinctiveness of this new species, with DNA sequencing placing it within the family Acuariidae. The prevalence of infection was high in North Island birds, while none were found in South Island birds, suggesting the parasite is geographically restricted, possibly due to the distribution of intermediate hosts or the sedentary behavior of the host population. The presence of the parasite in New Zealand sacred kingfishers and its unique infection site offers new insights into the evolution of parasitism in isolated populations.