Host-Parasite Ecology in Amphibians and Reptiles: Patterns, Processes, and Ecological Dynamics

Amphibians and reptiles harbor diverse parasite communities that both reflect and influence host ecology, evolution, and conservation status. Understanding the fundamental ecological rules governing host-parasite associations in these vertebrates is crucial. While these systems are increasingly impacted by rapid environmental change, biological invasions, and shifting community structures, a deeper understanding of both baseline patterns and dynamic processes is essential to fully grasp these complex interactions.This Research Topic calls for studies that illuminate the fundamental mechanisms and drivers of host-parasite interactions. We are interested in how host traits, behavior, and biogeography shape parasite diversity and transmission; the intrinsic and extrinsic factors governing parasite dynamics; and how these interactions feed back into host health, population dynamics, and ecosystem function across all ecological contexts.We welcome submissions that explore these interactions across diverse contexts, from undisturbed systems to those experiencing environmental variability and change, and across native and non-native ranges. Submissions are invited on:• Drivers of parasite community structure and host specificity across spatial and phylogenetic scales.• Fundamental ecological processes influencing parasite acquisition, persistence, and loss in hosts, alongside the effects of invasion, hybridization, and host range shifts (e.g., spillover, spillback).• Links between infection, host condition, behavior, and demography; sublethal and cumulative effects.• Ecological and environmental determinants of transmission (e.g., microclimate, hydrology, habitat structure, host density), and their implications for parasite dynamics, including responses to environmental variability and change.• Vector ecology and host–vector interaction networks for reptile and amphibian parasites.• Parasite detection techniques including integrative diagnostics (morphology + genomics), reference libraries, and reproducible workflows.• Comparative syntheses, meta-analyses, and open datasets enabling cross-system generalization. Topic editors: Joanna Reinhold, Michal Benovics, Bruno Rafael Fermino Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77909/host-parasite-ecology-in-amphibians-and-reptiles-patterns-processes-and-ecological-dynamics