Mikey Little
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Mikey Little has a total of 9 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Bronwen Presswell
University of Otago
1 shared publication - Clément Lagrue
Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
1 shared publication - Ian C. Davidson
Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
1 shared publication - Jerusha Bennett
University of Otago
1 shared publication - Kate Suzanne Hutson
Cawthron Institute
1 shared publication - Ludovic Dutoit
Department of Zoology University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 29 May 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Marine Biology
- Vol. 172 (6) , 1-12
Endoparasite communities of New Zealand Penguins differ over time and among species
Parasites can provide valuable insights into the ecology and health of their hosts and the state of the surrounding ecosystem. In this study, we describe the helminth parasite communities infecting penguin species in Otago, New Zealand (little blue penguin, Fiordland crested penguin, Snares crested penguin, erect crested penguin and yellow-eyed penguin). We investigate differences in parasite communities among penguin species, and changes over time for little blue penguins. In total, 19 parasite species representing 8 families (Desmidocercidae, Anisakidae, Acuariidae, Capillariidae, Tetrabothriidae, Heterophyidae, Renicolidae and Polymorphidae) were recorded from 121 penguin individuals. Parasite assemblages differed among penguin species, likely reflective of their differences in diet and feeding strategies. We also observed significant changes in the composition of parasite communities of little blue penguins using samples from a 30-year timespan (1993–2023). There was an overall increase in parasite diversity over time, including some species of potential disease concern, which could reflect a shift in prey availability of fish in the area. Our findings contribute to the understanding of penguin ecology and emphasise the use of parasites as indicators of ecological change.
- 29 May 2025
- Published by Springer Nature in Marine Biology
- Vol. 172 (6) , 1-12
Open AccessEndoparasite communities of New Zealand Penguins differ over time and among species
Parasites can provide valuable insights into the ecology and health of their hosts and the state of the surrounding ecosystem. In this study, we describe the helminth parasite communities infecting penguin species in Otago, New Zealand (little blue penguin, Fiordland crested penguin, Snares crested penguin, erect crested penguin and yellow-eyed penguin). We investigate differences in parasite communities among penguin species, and changes over time for little blue penguins. In total, 19 parasite species representing 8 families (Desmidocercidae, Anisakidae, Acuariidae, Capillariidae, Tetrabothriidae, Heterophyidae, Renicolidae and Polymorphidae) were recorded from 121 penguin individuals. Parasite assemblages differed among penguin species, likely reflective of their differences in diet and feeding strategies. We also observed significant changes in the composition of parasite communities of little blue penguins using samples from a 30-year timespan (1993–2023). There was an overall increase in parasite diversity over time, including some species of potential disease concern, which could reflect a shift in prey availability of fish in the area. Our findings contribute to the understanding of penguin ecology and emphasise the use of parasites as indicators of ecological change.