Factors affecting the spread of parasites in populations of wild European terrestrial mammals

Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska

doi:10.1007/s13364-019-00423-8

Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-019-00423-8

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Abstract

There are many different factors involved in parasitism. The general concept of “filters” proposed by Combes includes “encounter filters” (behavior, biodiversity) and “compatibility filters” (resources, defense) to explain mechanisms responsible for the formation of host–parasite coexistence. However, researches explaining the reasons for the spread and dynamics of parasites in populations of wild terrestrial mammals in Europe and the specific factors affecting prevalence and intensity of parasitosis are limited. Many factors, ecological, biological, and anthropogenic, form a complex network of interdependencies that shape this pattern. Here, I summarize the current state of knowledge on the factors affecting parasitic diseases in wild mammals inhabiting the European continent. It indicates the need to further development, not only for academic reasons, but also for the benefit of use in management of wild mammal species and disease control in nature.

Highlights

IntroductionParasite dynamics can be strongly affected by numerous (biological, ecological, and anthropogenic) factors
Parasite dynamics can be strongly affected by numerous factors
I focus on parasites in populations of wild terrestrial mammals inhabiting the European continent because there is a strong body of available research papers for European terrestrial mammals and their parasites; I noticed the lack of comprehensive literature review on factors affecting parasitosis in European wildlife

Summary

Introduction

Parasite dynamics can be strongly affected by numerous (biological, ecological, and anthropogenic) factors. I focus on parasites in populations of wild terrestrial mammals inhabiting the European continent because there is a strong body of available research papers for European terrestrial mammals and their parasites; I noticed the lack of comprehensive literature review on factors affecting parasitosis in European wildlife. Due to the limited availability of wild animal carcasses, especially of protected species, studies often rely on detection of parasite eggs in mammal feces (Górski et al 2006; Szczęsna et al 2008; Turgeon et al 2018). This method, has limitations, including the seasonality of parasite egg shedding and difficulty in their proper identification (Hines et al 2007; Pyziel et al 2011).

Introduction, reintroduction, translocation, and conservation programs

Findings

Conclusions