PARASITOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF INVASIONS OF ALIEN SPECIES

Abstract

Biological invasions by alien species present significant challenges not only to native biodiversity but also to host-parasite dynamics within ecosystems. This article examines the parasitological dimensions of species invasions, focusing on mechanisms such as parasite release, spillover, spillback, and parasite-mediated competition. Drawing on empirical examples from mammalian, amphibian, and aquatic systems, the paper explores how invasive species either evade or introduce parasitic organisms, and how these interactions impact native species fitness, community structure, and disease transmission. The analysis underscores the need to integrate parasitological surveillance into invasive species management and biosecurity policy, emphasizing that parasites are active ecological agents in the success and consequences of biological invasions. A deeper understanding of these dynamics is essential for designing effective conservation and public health interventions.