Host-helminth dynamics in a cyclic population of field voles

A large body of research exists on the helminth parasites that infect rodent hosts. Whereas a number of studies have assessed the importance of ecological factors on the infection levels in host populations, there are very few longitudinal studies of helminths in rodents, where parasitic infections are monitored m individual hosts over a period of time. This thesis uses faecal egg counts to assess the infection status of marked field voles in Kielder forest, UK, and relates the helminth parasites to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The field vole population undergoes multi-annual cycles and the varying density of the voles directly affects the start and end dates of the breeding season and the survival of voles within the population.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo