Survey for snake-tick (Ixodida) association in some districts of West Bengal, India

Abstract

During a study, two tick species viz. Amblyomma gervaisi and Am. helvolum were collected from snakes covering 15 species belonging to 12 genera. The period of extended survey of snake- tick association was undertaken from 2009 to 2015 covering both natural and captive habitats from six districts of West Bengal, India. It was observed that Am. gervaisi mostly prefers Naja naja, Daboia russelii and Ptyas mucosa as host, whereas Am. helvolum prefers N. kaouthia and Bungarus fasciatus. Naja kaouthia is preferred as host by both Am. gervaisi and Am. helvolum. Eryx johnii and Gongilophis conicus are found to be infested by both Am. gervaisi and Am. helvolum, whereas Python molurous is only infested by Am. helvolum. No ticks are found to associate with six snake species viz., Xenochrophis piscator, Lycodon aulicus, L. jara, Ahaetulla nasuta, Chrysopelea ornata, and Boiga trigonata. It is noted that tick loads on host snakes in natural habitats is greater than captivity, with few negligible exceptions. Statistical analysis of tick prevalence and abundance are done stating that Am. gervaisi is dominant snake infesting tick compared to Am. helvolum in West Bengal. Species population of both Am. gervaisi and Am. helvolum denote female's domination with low species specificity.