From beavers, parakeets to pathogens

Abstract.

Invasive species are one of the major threats to biodiversity conservation, especially in islands, or biogeographical islands such as Chile. Invasive species can also host pathogens that could impact humans directly through the spread and emergence of epizootics, zoonoses, and epidemics, which when combined with global warming makes pandemics more critical. This fascinating while worrisome socio-zoological entanglement across scales, from regions to the most minute, has led to the development of “One Health,” an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. 

In this presentation prof. Cristóbal Briceño, a veterinary from the University of Chile will share his current research on two invasive species in Chile; the monk parakeet bird and the American beaver, both considered ecosystem engineers. The beaver was introduced in Southernmost Patagonia in 1946 to increase profits in the fur market, but has since spread to a much wider region impacting streams and forest ecosystems, whereas the monk parakeet was introduced in cities as domestic pets and now roam freely in for instance Santiago.

Most of the research about their impact has been focused upon ecological aspects of the invasion, while scarce information is available on their potential role as reservoir or source of pathogens. Here novel results about their behaviour, spread, and sanitary status will be explored, especially focusing on possible pathogens that may represent a threat, not only to native animal species and their ecosystems, but also to human health. Prof. Briceño will also discuss how the contrasts of these two species scenarios—one remote and pristine and the other in populated cities such as Santiago—provide a wider frame for discussing the impact of invasive species and the importance of One Health in Chile but also in other places where these two or similar species have been introduced. 

Further, the importance of combining methods and developing collaborative research, involving students and the public to gain social understanding of One Health, will be discussed as vital elements of success in doing and communicating One Health research. Overall, the research on such distinct species, provide windows into how human, animal, and environmental health are interlinked and impact each other.

Contact and moderator: Professor Henrik Ernstson , Situated Ecologies & Political Ecology Research Theme, KTH SEED

Bring your own lunch (brown bag).