The dilemma of conserving parasites: the case of Felicola (Lorisicola) isidoroi (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) and its host, the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

• DOI: 10.1111/icad.12021
• Publication Date: 2013-02-05T06:25:00Z
• Authors: Jesús M. Pérez; Iñigo Sánchez; Ricardo L. Palma
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; 15. Life on land

Abstract Parasites are essential elements in healthy natural ecosystems. Also, they constitute most of the world's biodiversity. Therefore, deserve to be conserved together with their hosts. The Iberian lynx ( L ynx pardinus ) is endangered felid world because it only survives two isolated populations Peninsula, no more than 300 free‐ranging individuals. Felicola orisicola isodoroi a louse exclusively parasitic on lynx, and appears scarcer therefore its host. Current management activities devoted conservation such as reproduction captivity for restocking, could compromise survival species. In this article we revise ectoparasites I berian discuss potential role transmission pathogens. propose measures which enhance F . .) isidoroi