Absence of haematozoa on colonial White storks Ciconia ciconia throughout their distribution range in Spain

Abstract

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is distributed primarily in Europe, with about 8000 pairs breeding in Spain out of the 120 000—150 000 European breeding pairs (Tucker & Heath 1994). A large population decrease occurred during the twentieth centuiy, particularly in western Europe, and therefore the White Stork has an unfavourable conservation status in Europe (Tucker & Heath 1994). Therefore, the White Stork is a species for which information about parasites and diseases should be taken into account in managing programs.