Skylar Hopkins is an Assistant Professor at NC State University, where she researches parasite and disease ecology to better understand how parasites are maintained in complex ecological systems. Her ...
IUCN COMMISSION GROUP
IUCN SSC Parasite Specialist Group
Group leadership
Dr Skylar HOPKINS
Co-Chair
Skylar Hopkins is an Assistant Professor at NC State University, where she researches parasite and disease ecology to better understand how parasites are maintained in complex ecological systems. Her research falls under the One Health umbrella and aims to simultaneously safeguard or improve the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
Dr Mackenzie KWAK
Co-Chair
Mackenzie Kwak is a parasitologist based at Hokkaido University (Japan) where his research focuses on the ecology and conservation of parasites, systematics and species discovery, as well as zoonotic diseases and human health. He has a particular passion for ectoparasites, primarily ticks, mites, and fleas.
Mackenzie Kwak is a parasitologist based at Hokkaido University (Japan) where his research focuses on the ecology and conservation of parasites, systematics and species discovery, as well as zoonotic ...
More about the Specialist Group
When the Parasite Specialist Group began work in 2023, fewer than 10 metazoan parasites that use vertebrate hosts had been assessed for the IUCN Red List, yet as much as 30% of parasite species are estimated to be at risk of extinction in the next century. To better understand where and why parasite species are threatened, the Parasite Specialist Group is facilitating more assessments for individual parasite species.
MISSION
Assess extinction risks for metazoan parasites that use vertebrate hosts, a trophic group that is currently extremely underrepresented on the IUCN Red List. Additionally, our group aims to develop the first best practice guidelines and species recovery plans for threatened metazoan parasites that use vertebrate hosts and to broadly communicate the importance of parasite conservation.
Annual Report
Learn about PSG’s work and results in 2024 and 2025.
Previous reports: