In this Special Issue of the journal Biological Conservation , researchers present a different perspective on parasites.

“Approximately 40% of animal species are parasites, representing a dazzling diversity of morphology and life history, a large component of the biomass in any given ecosystem, and a structuring force in ecological communities. Yet despite their ubiquity and importance, parasites are neglected and even persecuted by current conservation research and practice. This special issue would explore the emerging frontier of parasite conservation. Which parasite species are at greatest extinction risk and why? Which parasite species perform important ecological functions, and which should be targeted for conservation? How and when should we act to conserve parasite biodiversity? Throughout this issue, we will highlight the opportunities for parasite conservation that we have experienced and/or envisioned, as well as the challenges on the horizon for this emerging discipline.”