From parasitology to policy: examples of research and capacity development regarding African (aquatic) biodiversity

Thanks to their high species diversity and their diverse spectrum of speciation mechanisms, cichlid fishes represent a textbook model in evolutionary biology. Many cichlids are also of substantial economic value (fisheries, aquaculture, ornamental fish sector…). Despite this importance of the hosts, cichlid parasites remain understudied to date, even though some have been shown to be more species-rich than their host taxa. Furthermore they may offer important insights into the evolution of cichlids, and of host-parasite interactions in general. Focusing on (Central) Africa, we worked on various aspects of the evolution and ecology of cichlid parasites, such as species richness, speciation mechanisms, host-specificity, biogeography, invasion biology and the potential role of parasites in cichlid radiation.

In view of the above-mentioned scientific and economic value of cichlids, this research has led to several fruitful structural collaborations with African partner institutes on applicable aspects of fish parasitology and aquatic biology in general. After a selection of our results on cichlid parasitology, the second part of the talk will therefore focus on questions of capacity building and policy-relevant biodiversity monitoring in Africa (e.g. in relation to environmental impact assessment), showcasing some of our current projects in the hope of offering some thoughts on the relevance of biodiversity science to sustainable development in the global South.