Relationship between abundances of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae) and distribution of sika deer ( <i>Cervus nippon</i>) in Tottori Prefecture, Japan

Tick-borne diseases are a serious concern in Japan, and it is important to clarify the factors determining distribution of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae). To investigate how presence sika deer ( Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838) affects ticks, were collected from 28 sites Tottori Prefecture, western early summer (June) autumn (October) 2019. In addition, data on fecal pellets recorded October 2019 April 2020. A total 14,490 four genera nine species collected. Two Haemaphysalis, H. megaspinosa Saito, 1969, longicornis Neumann, 1901, accounted for 94% individuals. generalized linear model revealed that number was positively related abundance dominant species, megaspinosa, while abundances two flava 1897, showed no relationship pellets. The present study suggested might affect population density tick but complex.