Back to South Pole
South Pole

10. Parasitology and Elephant Seal Lice

Aug 6, 2024 · 19 min · Ep 10

In this episode of South Pole, host Clark Marchese interviews Dr. Soledad Leonardi, a parasitologist at the National Research Council in Argentina, about her research on the fascinating interactions between elephant seals and seal lice in Antarctica. They discuss the coevolution of these species, the role of seal lice in disease transmission, and how these parasites have adapted to the extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean. Dr. Leonardi also shares insights into how climate change could impact this delicate relationship and the broader Antarctic ecosystem. Tune in to learn about the unique challenges and discoveries in studying one of the few marine insects in the world.


Episode Guest: Dr. Soledad Leonardi

Browse Dr. Soledad Leonardi’s publications here

Follow Dr. Soledad Leonardi on

More information about the National Research Council Argentina here


Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong

Theme music by Nela Ruiz


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from South Pole