Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
13:18
Data Collection on Marine Litter Ingestion in Sea Turtles and Thresholds for Good Environmental Status
Published on: May 18, 2019
Global patterns of parasite sharing among freshwater turtles
Maria Silva1, João Rato2,3,4, Pedro Brandão5,6
1MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal. mariasilva.gomessilva@gmail.com.
Parasitology Research
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Freshwater turtle parasite sharing is influenced by host evolution and geography. Introduced species can act as bridges, spreading parasites to native turtles globally, necessitating conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Conservation Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Freshwater turtles are a diverse and vital group, but face significant global threats including habitat loss and invasive species.
- Understanding parasite dynamics in these threatened populations is crucial for effective conservation and disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze global parasite sharing patterns between native and non-native freshwater turtles.
- To investigate the influence of host phylogeny, biogeography, and species introductions on host-parasite networks.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing data from 294 publications (1939-2025).
- Employed multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and clustering analysis to examine parasite community structures.
Main Results:
- Parasite communities are significantly structured by host phylogeny, biogeography, and the presence of non-native species.
- Extensive parasite sharing occurs between native and introduced turtles in North America, Asia, and South America.
- Oceania and Africa exhibit primarily endemic parasite associations within native turtle populations, while Europe shows evidence of introduced species acting as epidemiological bridges.
Conclusions:
- Host-parasite dynamics are shaped by evolutionary history, species introductions, and geographic isolation.
- Non-native turtles can facilitate parasite spillover, posing risks to native fauna.
- Targeted monitoring and management strategies are essential to address ecological and health risks associated with freshwater turtle parasite sharing.
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