What is the state of global populations of parasites such as lice, ticks, tapeworms and roundworms? How can we better monitor them and what challenges and positive aspects do these species bring to the environment? To answer these questions, the nature conservation organisation IUCN, known for drawing up red lists of endangered species, is starting a global expert group of which Hasselt University, with funding from the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO-Vlaanderen), coordinates the European members and supports the activities globally.