Is parasite conservation culturally feasible?

University of Leeds Faculty of Biological Sciences

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Dr Simon Goodman Prof Alison Dunn Dr Ellen Clarke No more applications being accepted Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Leeds United Kingdom Biodiversity Data Analysis Ecology Evolution Languages, Literature & Culture Philosophy Of Science Zoology

About the Project

Parasites represent a major proportion of global biodiversity, with more parasite species than species in herbivore and predator trophic levels combined. Parasites underpin many aspects of ecosystem function through their ecological linkages and influences on host population dynamics. They also drive many of the evolutionary processes that generate new biodiversity through the selection pressures they exert on their hosts. Yet parasites are rarely considered in local and global scale conservation strategy, or are seen as something to be eradicated during conservation programmes for their hosts. This is at odds with the need for parasites to be part of long-term perspectives on conservation centred on maintaining the processes that sustain and create biodiversity.

This doctoral project aims to identify high priority host/parasite systems in need of conservation in threatened vertebrates worldwide, and to assess which parasite traits (from both biological and cultural perspectives) are likely to be associated with successful parasite conservation outcomes. The project looks to examine if cultural influences affect how conservation professionals and wider society view parasite conservation, influencing their willingness to support parasite conservation initiatives. This may include exploring how cultural perspectives impact on decision making when balancing the interests of threatened hosts and parasites over short and long timescales, or what happens if parasites of conservation concern are zoonotic with implications for human and agricultural animal health.

Ultimately these themes come together to address questions such as whether all species are considered ‘equally worthy’ of conservation, what are the overall goals of conservation, whether parasite conservation is culturally feasible, and if cultural factors might bias attempts to conserve parasites that are important from a biodiversity or phylogenetic diversity perspective. Conservation action depends on the societal values placed on biodiversity and in relation to the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss. Successful parasite conservation therefore depends on the potential to change peoples’ values around parasite biodiversity.

Entry Requirements

In line with the interdisciplinary nature of the Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) and project, applicants should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate science or humanities discipline. A relevant Masters degree will enhance any application. An interest in the ecology of parasites, philosophy of conservation, social science of conservation etc is desirable. An interest in developing skills in quantitative analysis of ecological data is important.

Please contact Simon Goodman directly ([Email Address Removed]) for informal inquiries about the project or to discuss your suitability.

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How to Apply

For more details about this project and how to apply please go to https://extinctionstudiesdtp.leeds.ac.uk/

Funding Notes

This project is available as part of the Leverhulme funded Extinction Studies DTP at the University of Leeds (see: https://extinctionstudiesdtp.leeds.ac.uk/) , and is a fully funded studentship covering the full cost of University fees plus stipend for 3 years, and a research training and support grant (RTSG). Applications are open to UK home rated applicants.

References

Dougherty ER et al. 2015. Paradigms for parasite conservation. Conserv Biology 30:724-33. doi: 10.1111/cobi.12634. https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.12634

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Where will I study?

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is one of the largest research-intensive universities in the UK, offering a range of research degrees from Masters to PhDs (full-time or split-site), as well as professional doctorates. Our postgraduate researchers are a fundamental part of our vibrant research culture.

Career overview

Dr Simon Goodman has been a Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Leeds since 2004. He completed his PhD in Genetics at the University of Cambridge in 1996, following an Honours degree in Genetics from the University of Sheffield in 1991. Prior to his current position, Dr Goodman held various research roles, including a Research Fellow at the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London from 2000 to 2004, a Post-doc at the Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology at the University of Edinburgh from 1996 to 2000, and a Research Assistant in the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge from 1995 to 1996. Dr Goodman''s research interests encompass population genetics, disease ecology, and conservation biology, focusing on how these areas can contribute to effective biodiversity conservation. His work employs both theoretical and empirical methods, including models to explore disease resistance evolution and genomic techniques to assess genetic variation in relation to wildlife diseases. He has studied a diverse range of taxa, including mammals, invertebrates, and various pathogens. Since 2003, Dr Goodman has been the principal investigator on a project assessing wildlife disease introduction risks in the Galapagos Islands, which has led to significant biosecurity measures and changes in Ecuadorian law. His research also includes marine mammal ecology, particularly concerning endangered seal populations. He has been involved in international collaborations and has contributed to capacity building in developing countries, aiming to empower local scientists to address biodiversity and health challenges. Dr Goodman has received recognition for his contributions, including the inaugural University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor''s Award for Research Impact in 2015.

Research interests

Dr Goodman''s research interests lie at the intersection of population genetics, disease ecology, and conservation biology, focusing on how these areas can inform effective conservation strategies for biodiversity. His work employs both theoretical and empirical approaches, such as using models to test hypotheses about the evolution of disease resistance and employing comparative genomic techniques to examine genetic variation in host candidate genes related to specific wildlife diseases. He investigates the importance of virus adaptation in host switches and utilises patterns of genetic variation in species of conservation concern and pathogens to understand conservation threats and inform management strategies. His research encompasses a wide range of taxa, including mammals (such as seals, porpoises, deer, and bats), invertebrates (like mosquitoes and ticks), and various parasites and pathogens (including haemoparasites, nematode worms, protozoa, and Canine Distemper Virus). Dr Goodman''s group focuses on understanding disease risks to wildlife by examining the ecology, abundance, distribution, structure, and evolution of parasite and vector populations, and how these factors relate to environmental change and human activities. He has served as the principal investigator on a project since 2003 that evaluates wildlife disease introduction risks and impacts for the Galapagos Islands, leading to the development of new biosecurity measures and changes in Ecuadorian law to mitigate the risk of new vector and disease introductions. This work earned him the inaugural University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor''s Award for Research Impact (Medicine & Biological Sciences) in August 2015. Recently, he has been investigating the role of Trichomonas in the decline of endangered turtle doves in the UK. In addition, Dr Goodman has extensive experience in marine mammal ecology, particularly concerning threatened landlocked seal populations like the Caspian seal. He has led an international team since 2004, employing aerial surveys and satellite telemetry to assess population abundance and habitat use while integrating genetics and health studies. His expertise in this field has led to his invitation to join the IUCN pinniped specialist group in 2008, where he has authored the Red List evaluations for Caspian and Baikal seals. A significant aspect of Dr Goodman''s research is his commitment to fostering collaborations with local researchers in developing or middle-income countries, emphasising capacity building for local scientists to address biodiversity and health issues sustainably. More information about his work and opportunities to join his research group can be found on his personal webpage.

Evolutionary Biology Population Genetics Genomics Disease Ecology Conservation Biology Marine Mammal Ecology Emerging Infectious Diseases Parasites Pathogens Wildlife Disease Biosecurity Genetic Variation Conservation Threats Management Strategies Ecology Abundance Distribution Structure Evolution of Parasite Populations Environmental Change Human Activities Capacity Building Biodiversity Health Threats.

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Career overview

Professor Alison M. Dunn obtained a BA Hons in Zoology from Pembroke College, Oxford. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Nature Research Warden, a Lab Technician, and a Violin Teacher before returning to academia to pursue a PhD at the University of Leeds, focusing on Parasitic Sex Ratio Distorters, which are parasites that alter the sex of their hosts. After completing her PhD, she conducted postdoctoral research at the NERC Centre for Population Biology at Imperial College. Professor Dunn joined the University of Leeds as a NERC Research Fellow and subsequently as a University Research Fellow before becoming a member of the academic staff. She is currently a Professor of Ecology in the School of Biology, where her research primarily addresses issues related to Invasive Species and Wildlife Diseases.

Research interests

Professor Dunn''s research focuses on Invasive Species, Parasitic Disease, and Novel Ecosystems. She studies the impact of invasive alien species on native species and ecosystems, examining how these species can lead to population extinctions and changes in community structure and ecosystem function. Her work also investigates the role of parasites in these interactions, including how invasive species can introduce new parasites that may infect native species, potentially leading to emerging infectious diseases. Additionally, Professor Dunn explores how parasitic diseases affect host behaviour and life history, influencing competitive and predator-prey interactions, and ultimately impacting community structure and ecosystem function. She collaborates with environmental managers to develop practical biosecurity measures aimed at preventing the spread of invasive non-native species (INNS), which pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Her research includes working with industry partners, such as water companies, to mitigate the spread of invasive species during water transfers. Furthermore, she examines the relationship between extinction, invasions, and parasites, investigating how parasite control can be viewed as a form of managed extinction and its implications for conservation and biodiversity.

Ecology Invasive Alien Species Invasive Non-Native Species Wildlife Diseases Host-Parasite Interactions Behavioural Ecology Sexual Selection Biosecurity Extinction Parasitic Disease Novel Ecosystems Community Structure Ecosystem Function Disease Emergence Trait Mediated Effects Biodiversity Loss Conservation Aquatic Ecology Emerging Infectious Diseases Animal Behaviour Human Behaviour Marine Zoology Upland Ecology Evolutionary Biology.

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Career overview

Dr. Ellen Clarke completed her undergraduate studies in Philosophy at the University of Leeds before pursuing an MA in Philosophy and History of Science at the University of Bristol. She continued at Bristol to obtain her PhD under the supervision of Samir Okasha, defending her thesis titled ''Biological Individuality and the Levels of Selection'' in 2010. Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Clarke held two postdoctoral positions in Vienna and Oxford. She returned to Leeds in January 2017 as a Lecturer. Dr. Clarke is actively involved in the academic community, serving on the steering committee of the British Society for the Philosophy of Science and as an Associate Editor for the journal *Biology and Philosophy*. She has published a monograph with Oxford University Press titled *The Units of Life: Kinds of individual in biology*.

Research interests

Dr Clarke''s research explores the metaphysics and epistemology of biological science, focusing on the ontology of the living world. She investigates questions regarding the nature of biological objects, their boundaries, and their origins, as well as the role of concepts in evolutionary theory. Her work encompasses a variety of subjects, including species, organisms, genes, plants, bacteria, societies, and symbioses. Additionally, she has a broader interest in social ontology and the social and political dimensions of cooperation evolution among biological and social entities. Recently, Dr Clarke has been examining environmental ethics and conservation philosophy, particularly concerning conservation interventions such as rewilding, de-extinction, and novel ecosystems.

Philosophy of Biology Philosophy of Science Feminist Philosophy Evolutionary Theory Cultural Evolution Theory Environmental Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Ontology Biological Objects Social Ontology Evolution of Cooperation Conservation Philosophy Rewilding De-extinction Species Revival Novel Ecosystems.

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