Audrey Arnal Audrey Arnal Marie Bouilloud Marie Bouilloud Andrea Chaves Andrea Chaves Michel Gauthier-Clerc Michel Gauthier-Clerc Ana L. Vigueras-Galván Ana L. Vigueras-Galván Céline Arnathau Céline Arnathau David Roiz David Roiz Ana I. Bento Ana I. Bento Serge Morand Serge Morand Chris Walzer Chris Walzer Gerardo Suzán Gerardo Suzán Rosa Elena Sarmiento Silva Rosa Elena Sarmiento Silva Benjamin Roche Benjamin Roche Rodolphe Elie Gozlan Rodolphe Elie Gozlan Nathalie Charbonnel Nathalie Charbonnel Scilight 2025 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. PDFDocument eng 2026-01-26T09:53:59.845364Z 2025 Conservation Biodiversity Dilution Effect Zoonoses Prevention One Health 363654 b application/pdf http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/