More Than Just Pests: 7 Surprising Ways Rodents Actually Shape Ecosystems

Disease Regulation and Biodiversity

While rodents are often associated with disease transmission, they also play a role in regulating disease dynamics within ecosystems. By acting as hosts for various parasites and pathogens, rodents can influence disease spread among wildlife populations. This interaction can help control disease outbreaks by limiting the population size of susceptible species, thus maintaining biodiversity. Additionally, the presence of diverse rodent species can dilute the impact of certain diseases, reducing the risk of transmission to other animals and humans. This complex interplay between rodents and disease highlights their indirect yet crucial role in ecosystem health.