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A research framework for identifying potential linkages between isolated wetlands and disease ecology
Author(s) -
Kirkman L. K.,
Whitehead E. A.,
Golladay S. W.,
Smith L. L.,
Opsahl S. P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1007/s11284-010-0770-7
Subject(s) - wetland , ecology , habitat , ecosystem , functional ecology , biology , geography , environmental resource management , environmental science
Isolated wetlands are ideal model systems to examine linkages between environmental change, complex food webs, and the ecology of mosquito‐borne diseases. Through long‐term studies, we have evaluated the diversity among plant, invertebrate, and amphibian species of relatively undisturbed isolated wetlands. Based on preliminary evidence from impaired wetlands, we have developed a conceptual model to examine how human land use and climate change may affect wetland ecosystem functions that ultimately link to the proliferation of mosquito‐borne diseases through the alteration of food webs and mosquito habitat. Our research framework initially requires the development of a wetland condition ranking system for a large group of isolated wetlands based on potential habitat for mosquitoes that vector disease. Secondly, it identifies potential changes in ecosystem function that specifically address the role of aquatic fauna in mediating mosquito‐borne infectious diseases. Ultimately, understanding ecological functions and services will help focus the need for better management practices and potential regulation of impacts to isolated wetland habitats in the USA.