CASE STUDY 8
Tanzanian Case Study
The Tanzanian case study focuses on restoration of tropical rain forest including creation of forest corridors between native old-growth forest patches and natural regeneration at forest edges. The case study applies a control-impact approach and studies priority diseases including plague, leptospirosis as well as the vector-borne diseases bartonellosis and rickectiosis. Community involvement is strong, and the case study has a public health dimension by also considering restoration-related exposure of humans via fire collection, hunting, and recreation.
RESTORATION &
INTERVENTION MEASURES
Nature restoration
Reforestations
Rewilding
hawk
Public health interventions
Yes
ENVIRONMENTAL
SAMPLES
Reservoirs
rat
bat
Vectors
mosquito
tick
Environment
water
soil/sediment
HUMAN
DIMENSION
Case Study Activities
In Tanzania case study, we investigate the relationship between ecosystem restoration, biodiversity recovery, and zoonotic disease risk in the Bunduki–Mgeta ecosystem located in the Uluguru Mountains of Tanzania. Further more we aim to understand how ecosystem restoration and environmental change influence the dynamics of small mammals, their parasites, and their associated pathogens within the Bunduki ecosystem. A One Health approach is adopted, recognizing that human health, animal health, and environmental conditions are interconnected.
The study therefore examines pathogen presence not only in wildlife but also in livestock, humans, and environmental samples.
Data are collected using a repeated cross-sectional study design across different habitat types, including undisturbed forests, restored forests, agricultural fields, and peri-domestic areas. Field activities include the trapping and sampling of small mammals, collection of parasite samples, and environmental sampling. To understand the One health more, CSA 8 also collects blood from livestock and human participants to assess pathogen exposure.
Beyond biological sampling, the study also explores community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding forest restoration and disease transmission. Understanding how local communities perceive restoration initiatives and disease risks is essential for designing effective conservation and public health interventions.
