# Primates in Burrows: A Cause for Concern? Observations From a One Health Perspective at Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal

## TL;DR

The paper reports that primates in Senegal's Niokolo Koba National Park are interacting with burrows, potentially coming into contact with bats, raising concerns about zoonotic disease transmission.

## Contribution

The study highlights a novel observation of primates interacting with burrows, suggesting these sites may act as One Health hotspots.

## Key findings

- Three primate species were observed near burrows in Niokolo Koba National Park.
- Some primates entered burrows, potentially coming into contact with bats.
- Burrows are identified as potential 'One Health hotspots' due to interspecies interactions.

## Abstract

Burrows are places where many species cross paths and potentially exchange diseases. Primates are rarely frequenting burrows. However, this brief descriptive communication shows that three species of primates in the Niokolo Koba National Park (Senegal) frequent the vicinity of burrows, with some individuals even entering them. In particular, these primates come potentially into contact with bats. We aim to draw the scientific community's attention to the fact that burrows serve as critical interaction points for various taxa, some of which are reputed to carry zoonoses. As such, these burrows should be considered as potential “One Health hotspots” to be monitored, especially when frequented by primates in contact with rangers or tourists.

Burrows are places where many species cross paths and potentially exchange diseases. Primates are not known to frequent burrows. However, in the Niokolo Koba National Park (Senegal) primates entering in burrows and come potentially into contact with other species, including bats. From a One‐health perspective, we draw attention to the need to further document these inter‐specific interactions.