Three novel Haemoproteus species in Neotropical owls from Colombia

Abstract

Haemosporidian parasites are widely distributed in raptors, yet their diversity remains poorly characterized in the Neotropics. This study provides the first integrative morphological and molecular assessment of haemosporidian infections in raptors from Colombia. Blood samples were obtained from individuals admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres and free-ranging individuals across different altitudinal regions. Blood smears were examined microscopically for parasite detection and morphometry. Published records were reviewed, and microscopy-positive samples underwent cytb and mitochondrial genome amplification. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, haplotype networks and morphometric comparisons using permutational multivariate analysis of variance were performed to characterize parasite diversity, evolutionary relationships and species differentiation. Three novel Haemoproteus species were described infecting strigiform birds, supported by distinctive morphological traits and genetic divergence and the presence of specific Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon lineages. Owls showed the highest frequency of infection, particularly in Megascops choliba , suggesting a relatively stable host–parasite association and potential as a key host among other infected owls. In contrast, Leucocytozoon infection was rare and detected only in migratory Buteo platypterus and Pandion haliaetus . Several owl parasite lineages exhibited broad altitudinal and latitudinal distribution while maintaining host specificity. Detection of infections upon admission to wildlife rehabilitation centres confirms that transmission occurred in the wild and highlights the epidemiological value of these centres as surveillance platforms. Our findings expand the known diversity of raptor haemosporidian parasites in northern South America and emphasize the importance of integrating parasitological screening into conservation and rehabilitation programs.