HEMATOZOA IN 2 POPULATIONS OF THE THREATENED RED-BILLED CHOUGH IN SPAIN

The prevalence of hematozoa in two populations of red billed choughs ( Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) was sampled in 1992 and 1994 in Spain. Two bl ood parasites infected red-billed choughs. A species of Plasmodium, po ssibly Plasmodium relictum, and the piroplasm Babesia frugilegica, are described for the first time from this host. Low prevalence (1/178, < 1%) of hematozoa in these populations, was evidence for a lack of effe cts of blood parasites on the life history and conservation of this th reatened species in at least the two populations studied.