Hosts and Population Dynamics of Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae) on Guadeloupe, French West Indies

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Abstract
The hosts used and the importance of each host in the population dynamics of Amblyomma variegatum (F.) (the tropical bont tick) on Guadeloupe are presented. All potential hosts of the tick were sampled in three habitat types (defined by rainfall and topography) used for livestock production. Over 99% of all host-associated ticks were on cattle, goats, feral dogs, and mongooses. Other hosts of immature ticks were free-ranging domestic chickens, cattle egrets, Carib grackles, common ground doves, and grassquits. Adult ticks were collected only on cattle and goats, the most important hosts for all stages of A. variegatum. Cattle, mongooses, and Carib grackles were the most abundant host species found in each of the three habitat types; dry pasture habitat (lower rainfall and not seasonally flooded) supported the highest densities of ticks on these hosts. Potential methods of dissemination of A. variegatum to uninfested areas are discussed. Incidental collections of other tick species are given.