Killer Conservation: the implications of disease on gorilla conservation

Rhiannon Schultz

doi:10.3897/biorisk.11.9941

Abstract

Human intrigue with the natural world has led to a boom in nature-oriented ecotourism and research endeavors. Some of these projects and programs focus on viewing or studying endangered wildlife, but can have negative implications on wild animal health. Human contact with sensitive habitat and wildlife presents a unique opportunity for the transmission of interspecies disease, which can have traumatic effects on the conservation of endangered species. Nonhuman primates have a relatively high risk of contracting disease from visiting tourists and researchers due to their genetic similarity to humans. Local people living in and around sensitive habitats also pose a potential threat of disease transmission. There are some protocols in place to help alleviate interspecies disease transmission, but many of these protocols are centered on protecting humans rather than nonhuman primates. Using Mountain gorillas as an example, this paper examines the literature and research regarding Mountain gorilla health and welfare in the wild. Drawing on the possible shortcomings of current protocols and the potential health risks of these issues, this paper suggests some avenues for further research and pushes for the development of stronger methods for preventing interspecies disease transmission.

Highlights

Humans seem to be infatuated with the extraordinary, especially when it pertains to wildlife
With the many facets of interspecies disease transmission, how can we possibly protect the Mountain gorillas without destroying them in the process? One advantage that the Mountain gorilla subspecies has over most other wild primate populations is a very successful and active veterinary monitoring and intervention program
It may be difficult to ask tourists to wear masks while visiting animals in the wild, and it may be expensive to maintain a veterinary program for wild populations and to improve healthcare systems for local people, but making these improvements could be the key to preventing disease transmission to Mountain gorillas and to other apes

Summary

Introduction

Humans seem to be infatuated with the extraordinary, especially when it pertains to wildlife. This coupled with the extremely small population size and the importance of the genetic contribution of each individual, make the threat of disease a very serious issue in Mountain gorilla conservation. Diseases that can be transmitted to Mountain gorillas via fecal-oral transmission include a variety of intestinal parasites, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, Cholera, and possibly Ebola fever (Woodford et al 2002).

Results

Conclusion