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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
agricultural and biological sciences
Ebola and the decline of gorilla Gorilla gorilla and chimpanzee Pan troglodytes populations in Minkebe Forest, north-eastern Gabon
ORYX, Volume 37, No. 4, Year 2003
Notification
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Description
During 1998-2000 extremely low densities of gorillas Gorilla gorilla gorilla and chimpanzees Pan troglodytes troglodytes were found in the Minkebe Forest block in north-eastern Gabon. When compared with data collected before 1994, these data suggest a catastrophic decline in ape populations in the area. We believe that this decline was caused by a disease epidemic. The period of decline corresponds with the Ebola outbreaks of 1994 and 1996 that occurred in the human population in the same area. Deaths of gorillas and chimpanzees were associated with both Ebola outbreaks. Data from nearby sites indicate that the epidemic was limited to the Minkebe Forest. Occurrence of such epidemic die-offs should be taken into account in conservation strategies for the long-term survival of ape populations. At the time of writing, an Ebola epidemic among humans in the Zadié Department east of Minkebe Forest has resulted in 53 deaths. In the neighbouring Republic of Congo, authorities have reported 43 deaths and at least 12 other cases of Ebola. These epidemics are believed to be linked to the handling and eating of dead apes. © 2003 FFI.
Authors & Co-Authors
Huijbregts, Bas
Gabon
Wwf-gabon Program Office
De Wachter, Pauwel
Gabon
Wwf-gabon Program Office
Ndong Obiang, Louis Sosthène
Gabon, Libreville
Ministry of Water and Forests
Akou, Marc Ella
Gabon
Wwf-gabon Program Office
Statistics
Citations: 98
Authors: 4
Affiliations: 2
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1017/S0030605303000802
ISSN:
00306053
e-ISSN:
13653008
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Locations
Congo
Gabon