Host and parasite traits predict cross-species parasite acquisition by introduced mammals.

ABSTRACT: Species invasions and range shifts can lead to novel host-parasite communities, but we lack general rules on which new associations are likely to form. While many studies examine parasite sharing among host species, the directionality of transmission is typically overlooked, impeding our ability to derive principles of parasite acquisition. Consequently, we analysed parasite records from the non-native ranges of 11 carnivore and ungulate species. Using boosted regression trees, we modelled parasite acquisition within each zoogeographic realm of a focal host's non-native range, using a suite of predictors characterizing the parasites themselves and the host community in which they live. We found that higher parasite prevalence among established hosts increases the likelihood of acquisition,

SUBMITTER: Schatz AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8097221 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature