As all apes are endangered species, it is critically important to safeguard their health and welfare in captive, semi-captive, and wild settings as a matter of urgency. Management of ape health is an important policy priority not only because apes are endangered species and have intrinsic, ecological, and economic value, but because apes and humans are susceptible to similar diseases, which allows for spillovers in both directions.
Reducing infectious disease and noninfectious health risks for captive, semi-captive, and wild apes requires addressing risks originating from captive ape care; habitat destruction and encroachment; hunting; illegal trade and illegal captivity; industrial development; natural disasters; tourism and research activities; and reintroductions, transfers, and translocations. Decision and policymakers have a crucial role in catalyzing action as they have the ability to foster an enabling environment for essential action from other stakeholders. The Policy Briefing presents a policy-relevant discussion of the impacts on apes and their habitat, and provides best practice recommendations for the prevention and management of health risks to apes. Further, as significant gaps in knowledge remain, studies should be undertaken to increase understanding of all ape species and their settings with the support of policymakers.
