Third of animal parasites may be extinct by 2070

Washington : Climate change could cause the extinction of up to a third of Earth's animal parasite species by 2070, which may dramatically disrupt ecosystems, according to a global analysis. The study suggests that parasites are one of the most threatened groups of life on Earth.

The diverse group of organisms includes tapeworms, roundworms, ticks, lice, fleas and other pests - most of which are best known for causing disease in humans, livestock and other animals.

However, parasites play important roles in ecosystems. They help control wildlife populations and keep energy flowing through food chains. Because many parasites have complex life cycles that involve passing through different host species, parasite diversity can be considered a sign of a healthy ecosystem, said Anna Phillips, from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in the US.

"Having parasites is a good indicator that the ecosystem has been stable. It means the system has a diversity of animals in it and that conditions have been consistent long enough for these complex associations to develop," said Phillips.