Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
2026
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Matthew Heard
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Infectious diseases can contribute to population declines and increased risk of extinction in animals across the world. However, its impacts vary between species depending on differences in their physiology, immune systems, and life-history strategies. One widely used resource to evaluate the threat of infectious diseases for animals is the IUCN Red List database. In this study, we utilized the IUCN Red List to determine how animal species that live in the United States are threatened by disease, with the aim of investigating patterns in disease-related threats across taxonomic groups and conservation categories. We hypothesized that disease becomes a greater risk for species as their IUCN conservation status moves closer towards extinction. Using this approach, we found that there was variation between the risk of disease between different taxa. However, future studies incorporating geographic distributions may help to reveal regional patterns in disease-related threats and identify areas where targeted conservation efforts could be beneficial.
Recommended Citation
Powell, Lindsey; Morton-Cox, Jai; and Heard, Matthew, "Matter of Life and Disease: An IUCN Red List Assessment of Disease-Related Threats Across Taxonomic Groups and Extinction-Risk Categories in the United States" (2026). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 389.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/389
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Environmental Health Commons, Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons
