How can internal parasites affect raptors?

Internal parasites can have significant negative effects on raptors, particularly through causing debilitation during acute infestations. When a raptor is affected by internal parasites, these organisms can drain vital nutrients from the bird's body, lead to anemia, and overall weaken the health and vitality of the bird. This can affect its ability to hunt, reproduce, and maintain normal physiological functions.

In acute cases, the burden of the parasites can overwhelm the bird’s immune system and lead to severe weight loss, lethargy, and reduced energy levels. The health consequences can be profound, possibly even threatening the bird's survival if not addressed appropriately. Such debilitating effects highlight the importance of monitoring and managing parasite loads in wild and captive raptors to ensure their well-being and longevity.

Additionally, the other options do not accurately reflect the typical impacts of internal parasites. While some may think that parasites only cause death in mature birds, they can affect raptors at any stage of life. Weight gain is unlikely because the presence of parasites typically leads to malnutrition rather than weight gain. Likewise, parasites do not enhance immune system function; rather, they often compromise it, making the bird more susceptible to other diseases and infections.