Ectoparasite Diversity and Host Associations in Wild Birds and Mammals from Northeastern Türkiye

This study aimed to determine ectoparasite diversity and document host–ectoparasite associations in wild birds and mammals admitted to the Kafkas University Wildlife Conservation, Rescue, Rehabilitation, Application and Research Center in northeastern Türkiye. A total of 300 wild animals (187 birds and 113 mammals) were systematically examined, and collected ectoparasites were identified morphologically using relevant taxonomic keys. Ectoparasites were detected in 51 animals (17.0%; 95% CI: 13.2–21.7%), comprising 40 birds (21.4%) and 11 mammals (9.7%) from 19 host species. Morphological examination identified 24 ectoparasite taxa belonging to five major groups: Phthiraptera, Siphonaptera, Ixodida, Mesostigmata, and Diptera. Phthiraptera showed the greatest taxonomic diversity, with 13 taxa, followed by Ixodida with six taxa. Mixed infestations were recorded in 10 animals, representing 19.6% of infested hosts and 3.3% of all animals examined. Noteworthy host associations included Colpocephalum turbinatum on the rock pigeon (Columba livia) and Crataerina pallida on the common swift (Apus apus). These findings expand current knowledge of the ectoparasite fauna and host associations of wild animals in Türkiye and highlight the value of wildlife rehabilitation centres as surveillance points for ectoparasite diversity and wildlife health.