Arnal Audrey auteur aut IRD Gozlan Rodolphe auteur aut IRD Charbonnel N. auteur aut IRD Bouilloud M. auteur aut IRD Chaves A. auteur aut IRD Lounnas Manon auteur aut IRD Gauthier-Clerc M. auteur aut IRD Vigueras-Galván A.L. auteur aut IRD Arnathau C. auteur aut IRD Roiz David auteur aut IRD Bento A.I. auteur aut IRD Morand S. auteur aut IRD Walzer C. auteur aut IRD Suzán G. auteur aut IRD Sarmiento Silva R.E. auteur aut IRD Roche Benjamin auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf reformatted digital access 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. specialized 056 050 080 082 1 2 6 [10 ] 2025 2982-3048 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010096591 10.53941/dbgs.2025.100006 2982-3048 [F B010096591] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010096591 https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/2026-03/010096591.pdf IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2026-02-13 2026-06-12 fdi:010096591 fre