Environmental variables determining the distribution of an avian parasite: the case of the Philornis torquans complex in South America

Abstract

Philornis flies are the major cause of myiasis in nestlings of Neotropical birds, being of major concern in geographically-restricted and endangered bird species. Despite its relevance for the conservation of birds, there is little information about the environmental dimensions determining Philornis spp. geographical range. By using maximum entropy, we identified for the first time the macro-environmental variables constraining the abiotic niche of the P. torquans complex in South America, and provided a model map of its potential distribution based on environmental suitability. We identified the minimum temperature of the coldest month as the most relevant variable, associated with the largest decrease in habitat suitability in Brazil and northern South America. Furthermore, the mean temperature of the warmest quarter limited suitability mostly along with the Andean range. In addition, humidity and moisture are influential factors in most of Argentina, northern Chile, and coastal Peru. The geographical projection suggests that environments in most of central-eastern Argentina, and in a broad area in central Chile, are suitable for the presence of the P. torquans complex. Besides providing information about the ecology of Philornis spp., this study represents a tool for bird conservation and a reference for future work on the distribution of this genus.