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A research framework for identifying potential linkages between isolated wetlands and disease ecology

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  • Environmental change, pathogens and human linkages
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Ecological Research

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Z. Kawabata for the opportunity to present our thoughts at the 2008 Kyoto symposium on ‘Environmental Change, Pathogens and Human Linkages’. We acknowledge the helpful editorial suggestions provided by Dr. D. Batzer, Dr. M. Blackmore, Dr. L. Boring, Dr. J. Keough, and Dr. R. Naiman on earlier drafts of the manuscript. Funding was provided by the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.

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  1. J. W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA, 39870, USA

    L. K. Kirkman, E. A. Whitehead, S. W. Golladay, L. L. Smith & S. P. Opsahl

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  1. L. K. Kirkman
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  2. E. A. Whitehead
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  3. S. W. Golladay
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  4. L. L. Smith
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  5. S. P. Opsahl
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Correspondence to L. K. Kirkman.

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Kirkman, L.K., Whitehead, E.A., Golladay, S.W. et al. A research framework for identifying potential linkages between isolated wetlands and disease ecology. Ecol Res 26, 875–883 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-010-0770-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-010-0770-7

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