Open AccessModel analyses show how biodiversity conservation could reduce infectious diseases in an ecosystem
Author(s) -
Duffy Kevin J.,
Collins Obiora C.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
natural resource modeling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.28
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1939-7445
pISSN - 0890-8575
DOI - 10.1111/nrm.12319
Subject(s) - biodiversity , sustainability , ecosystem , environmental resource management , measurement of biodiversity , natural resource , ecosystem services , limiting , biodiversity conservation , natural resource economics , business , ecology , environmental science , biology , economics , engineering , mechanical engineering
Biodiversity conservation benefits the sustainability of the environment and also the well‐being of humanity. Here we consider the possible importance of biodiversity of resources in limiting disease. With this aim we formulate a dynamical system model for a terrestrial ecosystem that takes into account, biodiversity of resources together with competition among species. The dynamics of the model are explored using appropriate dynamical system analyses. The effects of the competition terms and carrying capacity on the dynamics of the model are considered in terms of which ranges allow sustainability of the system. Simulations illustrate how biodiversity conservation can of itself lead to reduction in infectious diseases in an ecosystem.Recommendations for Resource Managers: The sustainability of the environment is generally improved by robust biodiversity and important for human welfare. Diseases and their control are also important in natural and human systems. Here we use models to establish to what extent natural resource biodiversity can reduce the extent of infected resources. Our results show that biodiversity conservation is a possible control mechanism for reducing infectious diseases in an ecosystem. These results can help natural resource manages concentrate time and money on biodiversity conservation over and above the already obvious need for such efforts.