Non-invasive methods unveil the trophic transmission of the tapeworm Ligula intestinalis in Gull-billed Terns

Recent developments in microscopic and molecular tools have allowed the implementation of new approaches for assessing parasitic infections in wildlife populations. This is particularly important for the noninvasive detection and quantification of endoparasites in live animals. Here, we combined copromicroscopic (Mini-FLOTAC) and molecular (qPCR) techniques to detect the infection of the macroparasite Ligula intestinalis (Cestoda, Pseudophyllidea) in fresh droppings of Gull-billed Terns Gelochelidon nilotica (Charadriiformes, Laridae) breeding in southwestern Spain. Additionally, we sequenced the cytochrome b gene in parasite isolates from Gull-billed Terns (definitive host) and Common Bleak Alburnus alburnus (second intermediate host) sampled around tern colonies to explore potential genetic differences between the isolates. The qPCR test showed a higher prevalence (18%; in 13/73 samples) than Mini-FLOTAC (9%; in 8/88 samples), indicating that qPCR was more sensitive for diagnostic pur..., , , # Non-invasive methods unveil the trophic transmission of the tapeworm Ligula intestinalis in Gull-billed Terns

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.h70rxwdv0](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.h70rxwdv0)

## Description of the data and file structure

Data analyses presented in this article ([https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70564) ](https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70564) can be reproduced using the dataset and R code provided here.

### Files and variables

#### File: df.xlsx

**Description:** This dataset contains all sampled individuals and their parasitised state analysed in the article. 

**Sheet 1: dataset**

Variables:

* id: Bird ring identifier
* Species: species to which the id belongs
* Year: sampling year
* Date: sampling date
* Site: sampling site
* Nest: id of nest where the bird was captured
* Sex: female or male
* Age: chick or adult
* days of life: data for chicks only. Days since hatching
* weight_faeces_gr: faeces sample weight
* positive_Lintestinalis_molecular: if positive by qPCR...