Leveraging small biodiversity reserves to prevent zoonotic disease:
insights from dilution effect and pathogen adaptation theories
- Audrey Arnal,
- Rodolphe Gozlan,
- Nathalie Charbonnel,
- Marie Bouilloud,
- Andrea Chaves,
- Rosa Elena Sarmiento Silva,
- Michel Gauthier Clerc,
- Ana Laura Vigueras Galvan,
- Celine Arnathau,
- David Roiz,
- Ana Bento,
- Serge Morand,
- Chris Walzer,
- Gerardo Suzan,
- Benjamin Roche
Andrea Chaves
Costa Rican Agency for Biomedical Research-Inciensa Foundation
Author ProfileAbstract
In today's landscape of zoonotic pathogen outbreaks, the dilution effect
theory, i.e., the theory that greater biodiversity can help curb
pathogen transmission among wildlife, has gained significant attention.
However, the positive link between animal diversity and pathogen
richness urges us to apply this concept with caution. It is crucial to
explore how conservation biology can safeguard human health by
preventing the emergence of zoonotic diseases. By investigating the
implications of conservation strategies on animal communities and
pathogen transmission as well as the adaptive capabilities of pathogens,
we propose that biodiversity conservation based on small reserves can
effectively reduce pathogen spread in wildlife, provided certain
measurable conditions are met. Given the urgent need to tackle both
zoonoses disease emergence and biodiversity loss, these interventions
should be prioritized and implemented without delay.