Work

A cosmopolitan parasite of Rattus in the Galápagos rodents raises conservation concerns

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We draw attention to a recent study that identified the invasive nematode Mastophorus muris, typically associated with Rattus, infecting two endemic Galápagos rats on islands where no invasive rodents have been previously recorded. This unexpected finding raises concerns about undetected rodent introductions and highlights the urgent need for population monitoring and captive breeding efforts to prevent the extinction of these unique species, which represent distinctive lineages of Neotropical rice rats.

Source: Conservation Science and Practice

DOI: 10.1111/csp2.70167

Authors: Jadyn Hartwig, C. Miguel Pinto

Institutions: University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Charles Darwin Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,240

Funder: Fundación Charles Darwin