We use models to develop general ecological theory and address questions about specific wildlife diseases.
For example, we have developed several models that examine the potential role of squirrelpox virus in the invasion of the American grey squirrel into the UK. The disease is shared, brought with the greys, and is highly pathogenic to the reds. Its role in the invasion was often dismissed, mainly because relatively few infected red squirrels were seen, the modeling showed how this is a misconception. Highly pathogenic diseases have low prevalence but have important population dynamical implications.
The initial paper is:
- Tompkins, D. M., White, A. R., & Boots, M. (2003). Ecological replacement of native red squirrels by invasive greys driven by disease. Ecology Letters, 6(3), 189–196 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1461-0248.2003.00417.x
The work continues see the project website here.
We are also currently developing models of Avian Malaria in Blue Tits and TB in badgers and wild boar.
Boots Lab - UC Berkeley 