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Ixodes heathi n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a co-endangered tick from the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), with notes on its biology and conservation

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Abstract

A new species of co-endangered tick, Ixodes heathi n. sp., is described from specimens of the nymph collected on the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus Broom) from the alpine region of Victoria, Australia. Its biology is discussed along with strategies for its conservation.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to Simon Hinkley and Richard Marchant from the entomology department of Melbourne museum for granting MLK access to the tick collection and also for registering type specimens. We are also thankful to Dr Bruce Halliday of CSIRO for allowing MLK access to the acarology collection at ANIC. Finally, MLK is greateful to Dr Allen Heath for comments on the manuscript and for his kind and helpful assistance, guidance, and encouragement throughout the years.

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Correspondence to M. L. Kwak.

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Kwak, M.L., Madden, C. & Wicker, L. Ixodes heathi n. sp. (Acari: Ixodidae), a co-endangered tick from the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), with notes on its biology and conservation. Exp Appl Acarol 76, 413–419 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-018-0312-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-018-0312-5

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