| Unveiling Hidden Tick Diversity in Iran: Integrating DNA Barcoding, Habitat Modeling, and Biocontrol Implications Under Climate Change |
| Paper ID : 1040-IPCA5 (R3) |
| Authors |
|
Sadra Mahmoodnejad Shalkouhi *1, Negar Afsharyan2, Sadaf Abdolmaleki1 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Alborz, Iran. 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar,East Azerbaijan, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| This study investigated tick biodiversity in Iran, identifying two Ixodidae species that represent either new species to science or new records for the country, and assessed the effects of climate change on tick distribution. Ticks were collected from northern (Gilan, Mazandaran), central (Isfahan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari), and southern (Fars, Khuzestan) regions. Specimens were obtained from livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) and wildlife hosts (rodents such as Apodemus flavicollis, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus and birds such as Turdus philomelos, Erithacus rubecula, Sylvia atricapilla).Ticks were removed using fine forceps and preserved in ethanol for subsequent analyses. Morphological analysis focused on the capitulum, scutum, and specific appendage structures such as leg segmentation (coxae, trochanter, femur, genu, tibia, tarsus) and associated mouthpart structures (palps, hypostome, chelicerae).The new species were distinguished by unique morphological traits, including differences in capitulum shape and size, the pattern and punctation of the scutum, as well as variations in leg segmentation and setation. Notably, the length and shape of the palps, the structure of the basis capituli, and the arrangement of coxal spurs provided key diagnostic characteristics. These morphological traits are consistent with the criteria used to classify Ixodidae ticks, which are characterized by a rigid scutum, an anteriorly projecting capitulum, and distinct leg segmentation patterns, as described by Camicas et al. (1998). These distinguishing features were clearly highlighted to differentiate the new species. Molecular analyses included DNA extraction, COI gene amplification, and sequencing. Sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos: to be provided upon submission) and compared with global databases. A subset of ten specimens per species was selected for molecular analysis, resulting in a total of 40 sequenced specimens.The two Ixodidae species, one from Gilan and one from Isfahan, were delineated based on distinct morphological characters and a genetic divergence of 6.3% relative to closely related species such as Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This level of divergence is consistent with published species delimitation thresholds for ticks (typically >3–5% for COI), supporting their designation as either novel species or new records for Iran.Habitat modeling using MaxEnt and climatic data—including parameters such as temperature, precipitation, and land cover—demonstrated that rising temperatures and increased humidity have expanded suitable habitats for pathogenic ticks, notably Hyalomma marginatum, in northwestern Iran. These findings underscore the need for establishing a national tick monitoring network, developing a comprehensive genetic database for Iranian ticks, and training farmers in the early detection of infestations. Overall, this study represents a significant advancement in our understanding of tick diversity in Iran and provides essential insights for mitigating the public health and economic risks. |
| Keywords |
| Ticks, Biodiversity, Iran, DNA Extraction, Habitat Modeling, Phylogenetic Analysis, Climate Change. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
