Records for ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on free-ranging Coendou spinosus from State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Ticks and tick-borne diseases have spread since the mid-twentieth century largely due to major anthropogenic changes impacting natural ecosystems. The Coendou spinosus is a medium sized rodent found in the southeast of Brazil. There is little information about the presence and richness of ticks on porcupines. The objective of this study was to identified ticks collected from C. spinosus received at a triage center of wildlife in the city of São Paulo, from 1996 to 2025 (almost 30 years). Ticks from a total of 100 free-ranging porcupines were collected. A total of 223 ticks in various life stages were analyzed. Fifty-eight larvae, 17 nymphs, and 148 adults were identified. Of these, 89 were males and 59 were females. Some animals presented mixed infestations, with more than one tick species. The most prevalent species was Amblyomma longirostre, with samples from 86 animals, followed by A. parkeri (18 animals), A. dubitatum (1 animal), A. ovale (1 animal), A. sculptum (1 animal), and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi (1 animal). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi parasitizing this porcupine species. Additionally, we highlight the observation of a male of A. longirostre attached to the porcupine's spine. Ticks are important vectors of several pathogens causing zoonotic diseases. This work contains information that can contribute to knowledge and conservation of porcupines, and to the development of environmental surveillance strategies.