Département Eaux et Forêts Environnement, Institut Supérieur Agronomique et Vétérinaire « Valery Giscard d’Estaing » de Faranah (ISAV- « VGE », F), BP: 131, Ecole doctorale en Agriculture Durable et Gestion des Ressources en Eau, Faranah, Guinea
Human-chimpanzee-livestock interactions in Pencely-Soyah-Sabouyah National Park pose increasing risks of zoonotic disease transmission and ecological degradation. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), listed as endangered, are particularly vulnerable, as are local human communities that share their habitats. This study examines major zoonotic diseases (anthrax, yellow fever, tuberculosis, malaria, enteric diseases, and monkey measles) in the context of competition for vital resources and increasing human development.
Combining ethnobiology, statistical analyses, and qualitative and quantitative social research methods, the results show that the main foci of zoonotic transmission are located near water points, markets, butcheries, and ecological corridors frequented by chimpanzees. The study identifies several levels of threats: very low (presence of panthers: 11.38%), low (damage to crops and livestock: 13.05%), moderate (injuries and deaths related to human-chimpanzee interactions), high (decline of traditional conservation practices: 16.38%), and very high (transmission of zoonotic diseases: 20.55%). The most critical threat remains anthropization, which leads to a scarcity of essential resources (24.72%).
The transmission of emerging diseases and the deterioration of ecosystems represent major risks to public health and biodiversity. A proactive approach involving an epidemiologist is essential to monitor transmission modes, implement epidemiological intelligence strategies, and reduce the risk of contamination in this key region.