Long-term dynamics of the helminthofauna of the kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla L., 1758) in the Seven Islands Archipelago (Barents Sea)

The long-term dynamics of helminth fauna of adult kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla L., 1758) in nesting colonies on Kharlov Island (Seven Islands Archipelago, Barents Sea, Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve) was investigated. A tendency of steady decrease in the species diversity of bird parasites was revealed. The values of quantitative parameters of invasion with key species of the helminth fauna (cestodes Alcataenia larina and Tetrabothrius erostris, and nematodes Paracuaria adunca) for three stages of studies (in 1940-41, 1991 and 2024) almost did not undergo statistically significant changes. The results obtained are probably explained by the fact that climatic fluctuations and anthropogenic pressure may have caused a certain reorganization of parasite-host relationships, but did not disturb the structure and stability of the main parasitic systems. Based on the results of the analysis of stomach contents, the peculiarities of bird nutrition in different periods were studied. The features and likely causes of the geographical distribution and specificity of helminths were analyzed, a comprehensive assessment of kittiwakes infestation on the Murman coast was conducted.