Ape health is understudied when compared to human health, but it is by no means less complex. Different wild ape species live in a variety of social systems, ranging from semi-solitary orangutans and pair-bonded gibbons to the more gregarious African great apes (bonobos, chimpanzees, and gorillas). The formation of social groups can provide a number of health benefits, but can also create costs, especially by heightening the risk of exposure to communicable disease.
Moreover, as humans’ closest living relatives, apes share many of the same genetic, anatomical, and physiological features. Apes and humans are susceptible to similar diseases, which allows for disease transmission between both species.
This chapter focuses on health-related issues with available data and a known or likely impact on the conservation or welfare of wild and captive apes.
Key findings include:
- Health-related risks, challenges, and management options vary across wild and captive apes.
- The transmission of respiratory pathogens from humans to apes in both wild and captive settings is common, and can cause high morbidity and mortality.
- Infectious diseases are a major conservation threat for wild apes, especially in gregarious species.
- Noninfectious diseases play an important role in the health of captive apes.
- Further research is required to fill knowledge gaps, including with respect to specific diseases, such as myocardial fibrosis, and regarding the relationship between sociality and health.