Publications
Catastrophe at St Kilda: Vulnerability and Resilience in an Island Community
St Kilda's cultural continuity may have been disrupted by two catastrophic events, which depleted its population and led to repopulation from the MacLeods' domains. This repopulation introduced Hebridean folklore, Norse words for seabirds and boats, and toponyms related to key seascape features, potentially forming a lingua franca that aided cultural resilience during major population renewals. The study suggests that St Kilda's relatively well-documented ethnography can provide insights into the broader, less recorded Hebridean region. It examines how economic and political motivations for repopulation, combined with vulnerability to disease and violence, shaped island communities' resilience.
The abduction of Lady Grange to St Kilda: searching for truth
New evidence challenges long-standing inaccuracies surrounding the abduction of Lady Grange by Jacobite supporters in 1732, revealing her true ordeal of isolation and destitution. Contrary to prevailing narratives, she was not comfortably lodged but endured eight years of captivity on St Kilda before being moved across the Highlands until her death in 1745. The study, based on extensive research, reconstructs the most plausible route of her imprisonment and exposes the complicity of influential figures, including clan chiefs, during the decline of the Highland Clan system. By critically analyzing historical accounts, this work corrects misconceptions and sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and autonomy in 18th-century Scotland.
St-Kilda : la disparition des derniers hobbits
St. Kilda, a remote archipelago off Scotland's coast, offers a unique case study in demographic resilience and cultural isolation. The research reveals that the islanders' survival for centuries with minimal external interference was sustained by a low economic dependency, shaped by their self-sufficient lifestyle and detachment from broader societal norms. However, well-intentioned interventions—such as those by the Church, Glasgow's elite, early tourists, and health services—ultimately led to the island's evacuation in 1930. The study examines the interplay of natural conditions, social organization, and external pressures that defined St. Kilda's demographic equilibrium, providing insights into how isolated societies can endure or perish under changing circumstances.
The abduction of Lady Grange to St Kilda
New evidence challenges long-standing inaccuracies surrounding the abduction of Lady Grange to St Kilda, revealing her true conditions of isolation and destitution. Contrary to claims that she was housed comfortably for protection, research establishes that Lady Grange endured eight years of imprisonment without basic comforts or mental support, reflecting the harsh realities faced by women in such circumstances during the dying days of the Highland clan system. The study also reconstructs her likely route through the Highlands, providing a more precise account than previous narratives. This work relies on extensive historical research and critical analysis of existing accounts to correct misconceptions and illuminate the complexities of power dynamics among influential figures of the era.
Ultima Thule? Reconnecting St Kilda and Pabbay
St Kilda, often perceived as a remote and culturally isolated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not historically or archaeologically distinct from its neighboring island Pabbay. This study challenges the notion of St Kilda as an 'ultima Thule,' revealing that both islands were once managed as a single unit by the Macleod estate in the historical period. The research compares the two islands' post-medieval archaeological landscapes, highlighting how their narratives diverged in the 19th century due to financial strain and land clearance, leaving Pabbay overlooked despite its significance. By analyzing historical records and conducting recent surveys of Pabbay, the study argues that understanding St Kilda's broader context should begin with its closest neighbor, providing a more nuanced perspective on its cultural and archaeological heritage.
The Last of the Great Auks: Oral History and Ritual Killings at St Kilda
Historical accounts of the great auk's extinction suggest that two individuals were ritually killed at St Kilda, one on Hirta and another on Stac an Armin, likely between 1840-1850. This study evaluates three conflicting narratives from a deeply Christian community, concluding that ritual avicide was practiced during a period of social upheaval following the Disruption of 1843, when the island's minister left. The research combines oral history analysis with historical context to argue for the plausibility of two killings rather than one, while also noting a potential sighting in 1890.
The dynamics of vegetation grazed by a food‐limited population of Soay sheep on St Kilda
A long-term study on St Kilda reveals that the Soay sheep population's dynamics are closely tied to vegetation productivity, with grazing impacts varying significantly across different plant communities. The research shows that while highly palatable species like Festuca rubra and Ranunculus acris declined in Holcus / Agrostis grasslands due to intense grazing, overall plant species richness increased as grazing-tolerant species thrived under defoliation. Notably, the population's growth slowed and stabilized between 2011 and 2020, correlating with increased plant production in Holcus / Agrostis grassland. The study emphasizes the resilience of this plant-herbivore interaction, with no significant rise in unpalatable species, suggesting that measuring primary productivity and herbivore offtake offers deeper insights into population dynamics than biomass changes alone.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in the 1930 Evacuees from St Kilda, Scotland
A rare and significant health impact emerged among the St Kilda evacuees following their 1930 relocation from the remote Hebridean island to the Scottish mainland. Contrary to typical scenarios where isolated communities are exposed to endemic diseases, this study reveals that the evacuees themselves became vulnerable to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), a pathogen not previously present on St Kilda. The research highlights how the introduction of a non-immune population into a more densely populated and disease-exposed environment can lead to unexpected health consequences. By analyzing historical records and medical data from the decade post-evacuation, the study underscores the importance of understanding the bidirectional risks of infectious diseases during community relocations.
Stable isotopes reveal the importance of seabirds and marine foods in the diet of St Kilda field mice
Stable isotope analysis reveals that seabirds and marine foods constitute a significant portion of the diet of St Kilda field mice, particularly during seabird breeding seasons. Mice sampled from Carn Mor, where the majority of the island's seabirds nest, exhibited distinct isotopic signatures compared to other locations, indicating a higher reliance on seabird-derived foods. This finding suggests that mice may be scavenging or predating seabirds or consuming their discarded food items, potentially impacting seabird populations. The study used δ13C and δ15N ratios from mouse blood and dietary items to examine foraging behavior across three years (2010–2012), employing isotope niche and mixing models to assess seasonal and spatial variations.
Characterisation of major histocompatibility complex class IIa haplotypes in an island sheep population
Research on St. Kilda's unmanaged Soay sheep population reveals limited diversity in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class IIa haplotypes, with only eight distinct haplotypes identified across seven loci. The study, spanning 15 years, used a stepwise sequencing approach to characterize alleles at DRB1 and DQA/DQB loci in 118 sheep, confirming haplotype consistency in an additional 94 individuals. Evidence of historic positive selection was found at multiple loci, though no single locus captured the full extent of expressed variation. This work highlights the genetic structure of a unique island population, offering insights into immune diversity and evolutionary pressures in unmanaged ecosystems.
From population to individual host scale and back again: testing theories of infection and defence in the Soay sheep of St Kilda
A long-term ecological and genetic study of the unmanaged Soay sheep population on St Kilda reveals critical insights into the interplay between host-parasite dynamics, immune defense, and population regulation. The research demonstrates that parasite burden significantly influences individual sheep survival and fecundity, while also shaping population dynamics through density-dependent effects. By integrating over 30 years of data on sheep demographics, genetics, and parasite diversity, the study identifies how natural selection has molded immune function in response to varying transmission intensity. This comprehensive approach bridges population-scale observations with fine-grained individual-level analyses, providing empirical validation for theoretical models in disease ecology.
Survival costs of reproduction are mediated by parasite infection in wild Soay sheep
Reproduction in wild Soay sheep carries significant survival costs, mediated by increased parasite infection and reduced body weight. A 20-year study on St. Kilda, Scotland, found that females that gave birth—especially those that successfully weaned lambs—experienced higher faecal egg counts of strongyle nematodes during the lambing season. Structural equation modelling further revealed that these reproductive costs negatively impacted overwinter survival by reducing parasite resistance and body weight. This suggests a trade-off between current reproduction and future fitness, where resource allocation to offspring weakens immune defences against parasites.
Molecular confirmation of Hymenolepis hibernia in field mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) from St Kilda has potential to resolve a host-parasite relationship
Researchers have identified Hymenolepis hibernia tapeworm infections in field mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) from St Kilda, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site. Molecular analysis of hexacanth embryos confirmed these infections as distinct from previously reported Hymenolepis diminuta cases on the island. Phylogenetic studies suggest potential for resolving host-parasite relationships, though current data limitations hinder definitive conclusions. The study employed gross and molecular examinations of preserved mouse specimens and fecal samples, analyzing ribosomal cytochrome c-oxidase subunit-1 sequences. Findings contribute to understanding insular parasitology and its implications for disease control in humans and domestic animals.
Late Quaternary glaciation in the Hebrides sector of the continental shelf: cosmogenic nuclide dating of glacial events on the St Kilda archipelago
St Kilda archipelago, located ~65 km west of the Outer Hebrides and ~60 km east of the Atlantic shelf break, provides critical evidence that challenges the assertion that the British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) extended to near the shelf edge during the Last Local Glacial Maximum (LLGM; c. 27 ka). Cosmogenic nuclide dating of perched boulders at 290 m altitude on the largest island, Hirta, yields consistent exposure ages averaging ≥81.6±7.8 ka, demonstrating that the last ice sheet did not overrun high ground. Additional dating of glacially emplaced boulders on low ground indicates small, locally nourished glaciers occupied a north-facing valley (Gleann Mòr) at c. 30.9±3.2 ka and a south-facing valley (Village Bay) at c. 19.2±2.3 ka. These findings contradict the traditional view of ice sheet behavior during the LLGM, suggesting either surge-like transient streaming behavior or an earlier, more extensive ice sheet. The final glaciation of Village Bay occurred out of phase with the BIIS's overall retreat.
Myth-Making Through Music: The “lost songs” of St Kilda
A contemporary album of piano pieces, reportedly taught to a Scottish mainlander by a St Kildan music teacher, has captured the British fascination with St Kilda, a remote and 'lost' island society. The album, 'The Lost Songs of St Kilda,' reached the top of the British classical music chart in 2016, becoming the fastest-selling posthumously released debut album in British chart history. This study explores how the recordings and packaging of the album create emotional geographies of St Kilda, constructing a mythical place-time or 'mythscape.' The research approach involves analyzing the album's impact on public perception and its role in shaping myths around remote island cultures.
Relationships between foraging behaviour, diet and reproductive success at an urban colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor), St Kilda, Australia
A rare urban colony of little penguins at St Kilda, Australia, has thrived despite global declines, with ~1000 individuals exploiting artificially dredged shipping channels for foraging. Research using GPS loggers and time-depth recorders revealed that these penguins travel only 34 km daily, diving mostly to depths ≤10 m, with a diet dominated by Australian anchovy and southern garfish. Stable isotope analysis showed seasonal shifts in prey consumption, while stomach contents identified dietary diversity. Reproductive success was low but linked to prey quality rather than double brooding rates. The study highlights how this colony has adapted to urban and marine environmental changes, emphasizing the need for careful management of prey stocks to sustain its survival.
Accounting for female space sharing in St. Kilda Soay sheep (Ovis aries) results in little change in heritability estimates
Research on the St. Kilda Soay sheep population reveals that accounting for female space sharing has minimal impact on heritability estimates, contrary to previous suggestions of significant bias. The study analyzed five traits—birthweight, birth date, lamb August weight, and female post-mortem jaw and metacarpal length—and found that while spatial factors explained up to 18% of trait variance, heritability estimates decreased by only up to 7%. This challenges the assumption that philopatry (relatives clustering in space) inevitably leads to substantial bias. The findings suggest that modeling shared space may not always be necessary but encourage its consideration when relatives share space to better understand potential biases.
Exposure to viral and bacterial pathogens among Soay sheep (Ovis aries) of the St Kilda archipelago
Research on Soay sheep (Ovis aries) from the UNESCO-listed St Kilda archipelago reveals limited exposure to viral and bacterial pathogens, despite their long isolation. Analysis of 42 sheep showed that nearly half (50%) harboured ovine herpesvirus 2 (OHV-2). A broader study of 750 plasma samples collected between 1997 and 2010 found evidence of Leptospira spp. exposure in 6.5% of cases, while no serological signs were detected for border disease, parainfluenza, maedi-visna, orf viruses, or Chlamydia abortus. Some sheep showed antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), though confirmation was lacking due to missing faecal samples. The study suggests that pathogen importation and local transmission dynamics warrant further investigation to understand the ecological and fitness impacts on this unmanaged population.
Inbreeding depression by environment interactions in a free-living mammal population
A study on the Soay sheep population of St Kilda reveals limited evidence for interactions between inbreeding depression and environmental harshness, challenging the assumption that such effects are stronger in wild populations. While all nine traits analyzed showed variation with population density and some evidence of inbreeding depression due to individual or maternal inbreeding, only two interactions were statistically significant. The research used genomic inbreeding coefficients based on 37,037 SNP loci and population density as an environmental axis, suggesting that wild populations may not always exhibit strong inbreeding-by-environment interactions due to lower observed inbreeding levels, potential overestimation of stress in experimental studies, or natural purging of deleterious alleles.
Heterogeneity of genetic architecture of body size traits in a free‐living population
A groundbreaking study on St Kilda's Soay sheep reveals stark differences in the genetic architecture of body size traits. While jaw and weight exhibit polygenic inheritance—with multiple chromosomes contributing to variance without specific SNPs driving significant phenotypic changes—leg length traits (foreleg, hindleg, metacarpal) are dominated by two key SNPs on chromosomes 16 and 19, each explaining over 10% of additive genetic variance. Heterozygous females for one SNP (s74894.1) outperform homozygous counterparts in lamb production and recruitment, hinting at fitness advantages. The research also traces shorter leg alleles to historic admixture with Dunface sheep, underscoring how dense SNP panels can unravel selection pressures and evolutionary history in wild populations.
The Plan and the Porcupine: Dynamism and Complexity in the Landscape of St Kilda
A 19th-century plan of St Kilda’s principal settlement, created during HMS Porcupine’s bathymetric survey, reveals the archipelago’s landscape as dynamic and complex, contradicting popular narratives about Hebridean life. The study contextualizes this plan within naval interests in archaeology and ethnography, distinguishing it from contemporary estate surveys. By analyzing the plan alongside family history and archaeological evidence, researchers argue that St Kilda’s landscape was far more fluid than previously understood, challenging simplistic views of its agricultural and architectural development.
Estimating quantitative genetic parameters in wild populations: a comparison of pedigree and genomic approaches
A groundbreaking comparison of pedigree and genomic approaches reveals that genomic relatedness provides more precise estimates of quantitative genetic parameters, particularly in distinguishing maternal genetic effects from direct genetic effects. The study, conducted on the Soay sheep population at St Kilda, found that heritability estimates were consistent across methods but had lower standard errors when using SNP-derived relatedness or whole-genome data. Notably, maternal genetic effects became more pronounced with increased accuracy of relatedness information, suggesting these effects are often confounded with direct genetic effects in less precise pedigree analyses. The research also demonstrated that high-density marker panels may not be necessary for unbiased heritability estimates, as precision asymptotes at around half the available SNPs.
Multivariate immune defences and fitness in the wild: complex but ecologically important associations among plasma antibodies, health and survival
Research on St Kilda's unmanaged Soay sheep population reveals that helminth-specific immunity, specifically anti-nematode immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies measured during summer, is strongly linked to over-winter survival, offering rare evidence of a fitness benefit under natural conditions. The study analyzed 11 different antibody types in adult female sheep, finding weak but generally positive correlations among them. Eight antibody measures independently predicted body mass, strongyle parasite egg count, or survival, highlighting the complex and multivariate nature of immune responses in wild systems. This work underscores the ecological and evolutionary significance of immune phenotypes, challenging simplistic views of immunity and emphasizing its multifaceted role in organismal health and fitness.
‘A Prodigious Number of Little Cells’ – Cleitean and the St Kilda World Heritage Site
St Kilda's World Heritage Site features over 1,200 'cleitean'—small vernacular buildings—on the island of Hirte alone, a density of nearly 150 per square kilometer. Contrary to their traditional classification as mere communal storehouses, this study reveals that cleitean served a more complex role in St Kilda's feudal economic network, originating from medieval times but influenced by Norse practices. These structures were strategically distributed across the landscape to protect and improve goods while spreading risk and symbolizing the islanders' control over their environment. The research employs careful field observation and historical evidence reassessment to challenge the conventional understanding of cleitean as homogenous sheds, emphasizing their significance within a broader social and economic context.
Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. within a Remote Population of Soay Sheep on St. Kilda Islands, Scotland
A study of Soay sheep on the remote St. Kilda Islands, Scotland, reveals a higher diversity of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes than previously expected, including C. hominis, C. parvum, C. xiaoi, and C. ubiquitum. The research analyzed 255 samples collected during two distinct periods: before and after a population crash. Using nested-PCR-RFLP/PCR sequencing and GP60 gene analysis, the study identified multiple Cryptosporidium species coexisting in single infections, with C. parvum detected alongside other species in 27.1% of samples. This finding challenges prior assumptions about parasite diversity in isolated populations and provides insights into cryptosporidiosis dynamics.
Grazing ecology, parasitism and performance of Soay sheep on St. Kilda
Soay sheep on St. Kilda exhibit complex interactions between diet quality, gastrointestinal parasite burden, and weather conditions that significantly influence their performance and population dynamics. Research reveals that maternal condition, forage quality during gestation, and population density play critical roles in offspring survival and birth weight, highlighting the importance of environmental and competitive factors in large herbivore systems. No evidence of parasite-induced changes in foraging behavior was found, but mean intake rates aligned with those of other Scottish sheep breeds. The study underscores the need for careful consideration of spatial scale in ecological analyses to accurately assess distribution and selectivity patterns.
Introgression and the fate of domesticated genes in a wild mammal population
A study on St Kilda reveals that introgression of domesticated genes into wild Soay sheep populations can drive rapid evolutionary changes. By analyzing 25 years of ecological data and high-throughput genotyping, researchers found that admixture with a modern sheep breed around 150 years ago introduced polymorphisms for coat color and pattern. These variants were subjected to natural selection, with the domesticated light coat color allele being favored while the self coat pattern allele reduced survival. This demonstrates that introgression can introduce novel genetic variation capable of significantly altering wild populations, providing insights into the evolutionary consequences of gene flow between domesticated and wild species.
Population genetic structure and long‐distance dispersal among seabird populations: Implications for colony persistence
Leach's storm-petrel populations in the Atlantic and Pacific exhibit distinct genetic structures, with no significant differentiation among Atlantic colonies, suggesting either contemporary gene flow or historical association. However, evidence of interocean exchange was found, highlighting the importance of long-distance dispersal for colony persistence. The study used mitochondrial DNA sequencing and nuclear microsatellite genotyping to analyze 357 base pairs in 103 individuals and 18 loci in 245 individuals, respectively. These findings underscore the need for oceanic-scale management strategies to conserve this seabird species effectively, particularly in regions like St Kilda, Scotland, where localized predation pressures threaten colony survival.
Reproductive senescence in female S oay sheep: variation across traits and contributions of individual ageing and selective disappearance
Reproductive senescence is not universally observed across all aspects of reproductive performance in female Soay sheep, according to a study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda. While age-related declines were detected in fecundity and offspring traits like birth weight and early survival, no significant late-life decline was found in twinning rate. The research used longitudinal data from an unmanaged population to disentangle individual ageing effects from selective mortality, revealing that within-individual senescence and terminal declines in performance mask population-level patterns. This study highlights the complexity of reproductive ageing, challenging the assumption that all fitness traits exhibit uniform senescence.
Taraxacum pankhurstianum(Asteraceae), a new dandelion endemic to St Kilda, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
A new dandelion species, Taraxacum pankhurstianum, has been identified as endemic to the remote island of St Kilda in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. This discovery, derived from achenes collected and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, highlights its close relationship with T. faeroense within the Spectabilia section. The species is distinguished by its hairy involucral bracts. This finding expands the known biodiversity of St Kilda and contributes to the understanding of dandelion taxonomy in isolated island ecosystems.
The Prediction of Adaptive Evolution: Empirical Application of the Secondary Theorem of Selection and Comparison to the Breeder’s Equation
Despite strong selection pressures favoring larger body size, Soay sheep on St. Kilda are not evolving to increase in size, contrary to predictions from the breeder's equation (BE). This discrepancy suggests that unmeasured factors may be inflating estimates of phenotypic selection. Researchers applied both the BE and Robertson's secondary theorem of selection (STS) to analyze four morphological traits in Soay sheep, finding that while the BE predicted increasing size, the STS did not. The study highlights a potential general issue with naive evolutionary predictions in natural populations and suggests the STS as a tool to address this problem.
Diet segregation between two colonies of little penguins Eudyptula minor in southeast Australia
Research reveals significant diet segregation between two colonies of little penguins, Eudyptula minor, at St Kilda and Phillip Island in southeast Australia, despite their overlapping foraging areas. While both colonies rely heavily on anchovies, those at St Kilda consume smaller anchovies from different cohorts or stocks compared to the more diverse diet at Phillip Island. Stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) in blood samples confirmed differences in trophic position and prey size between the colonies, suggesting potential competition or spatial foraging differences. Surprisingly, protein levels in penguin blood remained consistent across colonies, indicating that dietary variation did not affect nutritional value. The study highlights the vulnerability of St Kilda's diet, which is dominated by anchovies, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to ensure stable food supply for these penguins.
Patterns of body mass senescence and selective disappearance differ among three species of free-living ungulates
Research on three free-living ungulate populations—bighorn sheep, roe deer, and Soay sheep—reveals distinct patterns of body mass senescence and selective disappearance. The study found that light individuals tended to disappear at both the youngest and oldest ages across all species. Bighorn sheep and roe deer exhibited a continuous decline in body mass that accelerated with age, while Soay sheep experienced a sharp decrease in the two years preceding death. These findings underscore the significance of mass loss in explaining demographic declines in later adulthood and highlight potential differences in senescence processes among related species with similar life histories.
Testes size, testosterone production and reproductive behaviour in a natural mammalian mating system
A study on St. Kilda, Scotland, reveals that testes size is a significant predictor of testosterone levels and reproductive behavior in male Soay sheep during the rutting season. The research found a strong positive relationship between testes size (measured before seasonal enlargement) and circulating testosterone levels, suggesting that the demand for sperm production plays a crucial role in regulating androgen levels. Unlike conventional hypotheses, body condition or competitive ability did not independently influence testosterone levels. This integration of sperm production capacity with testosterone output also affected male aggression and mate-seeking behavior, indicating a tight phenotypic link between these traits.
Contrasting patterns in bryophyte and vascular plant species richness in relation to elevation, biomass and Soay sheep on St Kilda, Scotland
Research on St Kilda, Scotland, reveals that bryophyte and vascular plant species richness exhibit contrasting patterns in response to elevation, biomass, and sheep grazing pressure. Bryophytes peak in mid-to-high elevations, showing a negative relationship with sheep preference and standing litter, while their richness follows a curvilinear trend with biomass. In contrast, vascular plant richness decreases with elevation and displays a negative or unimodal association with sheep preference and biomass. These findings suggest that bryophyte and vascular plant richness cannot serve as adequate surrogates for each other in ecological models, highlighting the need for organism-specific adjustments to improve general species richness predictions.
Effects of artificial lights and moonlight on petrels at St Kilda
Artificial lights at St Kilda attract petrels, particularly when moonlight is scarce, but deliberate light reduction measures significantly decrease this attraction and its negative impacts. The study found that while reductions in artificial lighting effectively lowered the number of Leach's Storm-petrels drawn to lights, their effect on Manx Shearwaters was less pronounced. Mortality rates were extremely low, with only juveniles affected, primarily after nights with minimal moonlight. Although the overall numbers of petrels attracted were small compared to breeding populations, light reduction measures remained beneficial in preventing disorientation and grounding during fledging periods. This phenomenon is rare in other UK breeding areas, highlighting St Kilda's unique vulnerability.
Survival of the fittest: a comparison of medicine and health on Lord Howe Island and St Kilda
A stark contrast emerges between the health outcomes of two isolated island communities: Lord Howe Island and St Kilda. While both share similarities, their fates diverged dramatically due to differences in medicine and health practices. The study hypothesizes that these disparities largely explain the success of one society and the failure of the other. By comparing the characteristics of the two islands, the research sheds light on how health and disease management can shape survival in extreme environments. This comparative analysis highlights critical factors influencing community resilience and longevity.
Trypanosoma melophagium from the sheep ked Melophagus ovinus on the island of St Kilda
Researchers have identified Trypanosoma melophagium, a trypanosome parasite transmitted by sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus), in the feral Soay sheep population on St Kilda. Despite being largely eradicated elsewhere in the UK, the sheep ked persists here and was found to harbour T. melophagium in high prevalence, particularly among lambs. The study used PCR analysis of preserved keds and live gut smears, along with in vitro cultivation and morphological examination, to confirm the parasite's identity. Genetic sequencing revealed that T. melophagium is closely related to Trypanosoma theileri, suggesting it represents a specialized lineage adapted to transmission by sheep keds. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of trypanosome parasites and their hosts in isolated ecosystems.
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