Distribution and specificity of host-parasite associations of fleas (Siphonaptera) in the Central Caucasus

Abstract

In the territory of the Central Caucasus, which constitutes one-fifth of that of the Greater Caucasus, the order of fleas is represented by 87 species, 67 of which are associated with mammals and 20 species, with birds. The regional fauna includes 6 species endemic to the Greater Caucasus and 3 species endemic to its central part. Fleas of 72 species are distributed along the entire longitudinal extent of the Central Caucasus; 18 species are associated with the highlands and 2 species are found only in the steppe foothills and forest-steppe midlands. The flea distribution is determined by the presence of suitable hosts and by some other factors. Rodents of the family Cricetidae are the main hosts of more than one third of all the mammal flea species in the region. Passeriform birds of the families Hirundinidae, Motacillidae, and Muscicapidae are the main hosts of the greatest part of bird flea species. The flea fauna of the Central Caucasus is highly similar in species composition to the faunas of the West and East Caucasus, largely due to the wide distribution of many host species throughout the Greater Caucasus