Avian Malaria and Related Parasites in the Tropics - Ecology, Evolution and Systematics

The Tropics are home to the greatest biodiversity in the world, but tropical species are at risk due to anthropogenic activities, mainly land use change, habitat loss, invasive species, and pathogens. Over the past 20 years, the avian malaria and related parasites (Order: Haemosporida) systems have received increased attention in the tropical regions from a diverse array of research perspectives. However, to date no attempts have been made to synthesize the available information and to propose new lines of research. This book provides such a synthesis by not only focusing on the antagonistic interactions, but also by providing conceptual chapters on topics going from avian haemosporidians life cycles and study techniques, to chapters addressing current concepts on ecology and evolution. For example, a chapter synthesizing basic biogeography and ecological niche model concepts is presented, followed by one on the island biogeography of avian haemosporidians. Accordingly, researchers and professionals interested in these antagonistic interaction systems will find both an overview of the field with special emphasis on the tropics, and access to the necessary conceptual framework for various topics in ecology, evolution and systematics. Given its conceptual perspective, the book will appeal not only to readers interested in avian haemosporidians, but also to those more generally interested in the ecology, evolution and systematics of host-parasite interactions.

Diego Santiago-Alarcon is a Staff Researcher at the Instituto de Ecología, A.C. - CONACYT in Mexico. He completed his MSc and PhD at the University of Missouri in St Louis, USA, and conducted postdoctoral studies at the University of Freiburg, Germany. His research focuses on understanding the ecology, evolution and systematics of host-parasite-vector interactions, in particular how avian haemosporidians dynamics respond to anthropogenic impacts.
Alfonso Marzal is an Associate Professor at the University of Extremadura, Spain. After completing his PhD at the University of Extremadura, he pursued postdoctoral research at Lund University, Sweden. His main research interest is in the field of avian malaria, mainly focusing on the negative effects of avian haemosporidians on their host populations, as well as the environmental and global factors determining the emergence of wildlife diseases.