Our project aims to enhance the understanding of the intricate relationships between hosts and parasites, unraveling their structures and dynamics across different levels of forest fragmentation. Our focus centers on comprehending and forecasting the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie the spillover of parasites and the interplay between landscape alterations and the emergence of diseases.
We are currently employing a multifaceted approach, combining various analyses and models that build upon one another to deepen our insights progressively.
By integrating these methodologies, we aim to unravel the intricate dynamics of parasite-host interaction networks across geographical mosaics, specifically, we hope to
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Model and predict how the network structure influences local parasite-host coevolutionary dynamics and
Explore how the configuration of the landscape mosaic impacts species dispersal and overall eco-evolutionary dynamics,
enabling the prediction of spatial risks associated with parasite spillover.
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Utilizing existing empirical data on networks of small mammal hosts and their parasites, we will combine insights from meta-community theory, adaptive networks, and landscape ecology.
Our project aims to contribute to a comprehensive perspective based on the One Health Approach, essential for safeguarding the health of ecosystems, human populations, and animal communities. By embracing the principles of One Health, our research acknowledges the intricate web of relationships between living organisms and their environments, recognizing the interdependence of health across various domains.
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Exploring the interplay between ecological and social factors with the broader concept of ecosystem services and recognizing that healthy ecosystems provide essential benefits to human societies, including disease regulation. By delving into the coevolutionary intricacies within diverse landscapes, our research hopes to underscore the practical implications for maintaining the health and functioning of ecosystems, thus reinforcing the vital connection between environmental well-being and human health.
