Project description

Infectious diseases (Ebola, coronavirus, human respiratory viruses, etc.) are among the three main threats to great apes, along with habitat loss and poaching. Due to the great pressure from logging and oil companies surrounding this World Heritage site, it is imperative to create a sustainable economy. Gorilla habitat contributes to conservation and the economy of the national parks through tourism. However, it is a strategy with high risk of spreading pathogens. 

The project aims to study diseases in Moukalaba Doudou National Park, Gabon, and establish gorilla health protocols to prevent their spread in both directions with humans. This is a process that involves job creation, professional training of local experts and the development of the required infrastructure. 

What is the meaning of the project?

Along with habitat loss and poaching, infectious diseases are considered one of the main threats to most great apes. The spread of pathogens due to ecosystem disruption and pandemics is a real threat to gorillas [3, 4, 5]. The increase of Emerging Infectious Diseases are not only a threat to non-human primates, but also to humans, here is the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous articles have shown that the risk of EID increases significantly following ecosystem disruption and biodiversity loss [6,7,8,9]. Our research project is of utmost importance to monitor the health of human-abused gorillas and prevent the spread of disease in this protected area. This will increase scientific knowledge and ecotourism in the area and create a sustainable income stream in this natural paradise.

This project will directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of the local community in the long and short term. By empowering local veterinarians and scientists, we are ensuring the protection of these and many more protected areas in Gabon.

Budget 20 000 + 4×4 car

This budget corresponds only to the year 2020-2021. This first year is 50% more expensive for the initial investment in infrastructure and material.

This project is the first part of a larger program that will integrate animal and human sampling and training and capacity building for local veterinarians and wildlife researchers in Gabon. This project is also part of a short- and long-term sustainable initiative that supports the 200-person community in the village of Doussala through ecotourism and science.

What is the context of this project?

The Moukalaba-Doudou National Park is 450,000 hectares of nature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the highest density of gorillas and chimpanzees in Gabon [1]. Along with elephants, hundreds of unique species occupy this Park, including humans. The village of Doussala is just 500 metres from the research station. Thanks to recent research projects in the Park [2In addition to the gorilla habitat and the resulting ecotourism, this community has found gorilla monitoring and ecosystem conservation to be a sustainable way of life. The Park is surrounded by logging and oil companies, and along with poaching and the spread of disease are the daily threat to the ecosystem of this Park and many others in Africa.

Timing

As soon as the funds are received, the project will start with immediate effect *. Our team will travel from Libreville to the research station at MDNP. The first few days will be devoted to locating the gorillas. Five days a week for three months, samples will be collected. Data analysis and protocol writing will be done at the Libreville headquarters. Once the results and conclusions are established, feedback will be given to the relevant community and authority.

*Considering the health and safety protocols of Covid-19

Would you like to support us and collaborate through the institution where you work?

Contact us info@wildspiritfund.org