Paradigms for parasite conservation

摘要: Parasitic species, which depend directly on host species for their survival, represent a major regulatory force in ecosystems and significant component of Earth's biodiversity. Yet the negative impacts parasites observed at level have motivated conservation paradigm eradication, moving us farther from attainment taxonomically unbiased goals. Despite growing body literature highlighting importance parasite-inclusive conservation, most parasite remain understudied, underfunded, underappreciated. We argue protection parasitic biodiversity requires shift perception valuation role as consumer similar to that apex predators mid-20th century. Beyond recognizing vital trophic regulators, existing tools available practitioners should explicitly account unique threats facing dependent species. built upon concepts epidemiology economics (e.g., host-density threshold cost-benefit analysis) devise novel metrics margin error minimum investment conservation. define risk accidental extinction misestimating equilibrium population sizes predicted oscillations, while represents cost associated with conserving additional hosts required maintain viable populations. This framework will aid identification readily conserved present minimal health risks. To establish we propose an extension viability analysis host-parasite assemblages assess risk. In direst cases, ex situ breeding programs be evaluated maximize success without undermining protection. Though pose considerable challenge, adaptations help protect face uncertain environmental future.