Micromammals and Macroparasites From Evolutionary Ecology to Management [Paperback]

This book provides a comprehensive survey of the diversity and biology of metazoan parasites affecting small mammals, of their impact on host individuals and populations, and of the management implications of these parasites for conservation biology and human welfare. Designed for a broad, multidisciplinary audience, the book is an essential resource for researchers, students, and practitioners alike.

Small mammals are among the most ubiquitous and important components of terrestrial ecosystems. They have coevolved, and now coexist, with a diverse array of parasites, such that not only are all aspects of their biology influenced by parasitism but they also play key roles in the transmission and maintenance of parasitic diseases. This book provides a comprehensive survey of the diversity and biology of metazoan parasites affecting small mammals, of their impact on host individuals and populations, and of the management implications of these parasites for conservation biology and human welfare. Designed for a broad, multidisciplinary audience, it will be an essential resource for researchers, students, and practitioners alike in the fields of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, wildlife management, and conservation biology.

Preface V Contents VII List of authors XI Part I. Introduction and definitions 1 Micromammals and macroparasites: Who is who and how they interact? S. Morand, B.R. Krasnov, R. Poulin and A.A. Degen 3 Part II. Major taxa parasitic on micromammals 2 Digenean trematodes C. Feliu, J. Torres, J. Miquel, J.M. Segovia and R. Fons 13 3 Cestodes of small mammals: Taxonomy and life cycles B.B. Georgiev, R.A. Bray and D.T.J. Littlewood 29 4 Nematodes S. Morand, S. Bouamer and J.-P. Hugot 63 5 Acanthocephalans A. Ribas and J.C. Casanova 81 6 Taxonomy, host associations, life cycles and vectorial importance of ticks parasitizing small mammals L.A. Durden 91 7 Mesostigmatid mites as parasites of small mammals: Systematics, ecolæ