How to study parasites and host migration: a roadmap for empiricists

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Parasitology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Animal migration facilitates contact between novel organisms, impacting parasite transmission.
• Existing research on migration-parasite interactions is fragmented, limiting comprehensive understanding.
• Conceptual frameworks exist, but empirical evidence often stems from studies not designed for this specific interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing conceptual frameworks of migration-parasite interactions.
• To identify challenges in empirical research and theory integration.
• To provide a roadmap for future empirical studies and foster collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of conceptual frameworks (e.g., migratory exposure, escape, allopatry).
• Analysis of current challenges in empirical research and theoretical integration, including feedback loops.
• Development of a guide for future empirical approaches (comparative, observational, experimental).

Main Results:

• Identified and synthesized key conceptual frameworks governing migration-parasite dynamics.
• Highlighted significant challenges in empirical data collection and the integration of theoretical models.
• Proposed specific empirical strategies to overcome these research hurdles.

Conclusions:

• A unified approach is needed to understand the complex interplay between animal migration and parasite infection.
• Future research should prioritize empirical studies guided by a clear roadmap and strong empiricist-theorist collaboration.
• Improved understanding will enhance predictions of ecological processes influenced by migration and parasitism.