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Project Title: The ecology of tick-host species interactions in urban green space
Summary: Ixodes ricinus, the primary vector of Lyme disease in the UK, is widely distributed and may be expanding its range. This generalist ectoparasite thrives in various habitats, including woodlands, parklands, and urban green spaces, provided that suitable microhabitats and host species are available. Research has increasingly documented tick populations in urban environments, where green spaces can support their life cycle and present potential risks for human exposure. Given the increasing interaction between ticks, wildlife, and humans in these settings, there is a need for research into the factors influencing tick prevalence and disease risk. This study aims to investigate tick abundance and host interactions across a gradient of urban green spaces in London, host community composition, the roles of different deer species in driving urban tick numbers, and spatial correlations in activity patterns between hosts and humans. Standardised tick sampling protocols will be employed to facilitate cross-study comparisons, and camera trapping will assess host presence and behaviour. This study will provide critical insights into the ecology of urban ticks, helping to refine public health recommendations while balancing the benefits of urban green space access. By incorporating a standardised approach, this research will contribute to a clearer understanding of tick-borne disease risk in London’s green space, and other urban centres across Europe.
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