New records of tick-host mammal interactions (Acari: Ixodidae) in two conservation units of the Brazilian Amazon

Ticks are ectoparasites of major public and veterinary health importance, and identifying their vertebrate hosts is crucial for recognizing pathogen reservoirs. This study investigated tick-wild mammal associations in two areas of the Brazilian Amazon. Between 2021 and 2023, wild mammals were captured using Tomahawk® and Sherman® traps, and ticks were collected manually or with forceps. A total of 110 wild mammals were captured, including 66 marsupials, 43 rodents, and one felid, representing 12 genera. Three species were identified at the species level: Didelphis marsupialis, Myoprocta pratti, and Leopardus pardalis. Tick infestation was recorded in 37.3% of the animals, with 262 ticks collected. The identified tick species were Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma latepunctatum, Amblyomma scalpturatum, Amblyomma pacae, and Haemaphysalis sp. These findings expand knowledge of tick-host associations involving wild mammals in the Brazilian Amazon.