Helmintos associados a anfíbios da caatinga: diversidade, ecologia e filogenia

Abstract

Over the past decade, a growing body of research has focused on endoparasitic helminths associated with amphibians in Northeastern Brazil. These studies, employing diverse methodologies, have sought to address questions pertaining to the dynamics of host-parasite relationships, as well as taxonomic, evolutionary, and biogeographical inquiries. Despite this progress, a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence these ecological dynamics, and the resolution of issues related to parasite species recognition and the identification of novel species, remains elusive. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to filling these knowledge gaps concerning host-parasite interactions associated with amphibians in Northeast Brazil. Specific objectives include: (1) to compile a checklist of parasitic infections and evaluate the ecological structure of network interactions in Northeastern Brazilian amphibians; (2) to identify and describe a novel species of the genus Parapharyngodon associated with a hylid host in the Caatinga; (3) to document the occurrence of infection by the genus Ozolaimus in a hylid host within the Caatinga; and (4) to assess the phylogeny of the genus Cosmocerca and the status of Neotropical species. The methodologies employed for these diverse approaches are delineated individually within each chapter, with data derived from field expeditions, regional collections, and scholarly literature. The findings presented herein underscore the imperative to strengthen and promote research in this field of knowledge, particularly within the Northeastern region of Brazil, which, within the national context, exhibits one of the lowest levels of knowledge production regarding these parasitism relationships associated with amphibian hosts.