Model analyses show how biodiversity conservation could reduce infectious diseases in an ecosystem

Abstract

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.