Human behaviors have been found to play a role in transmission of disease causing agents between humans, their domestic animals and wild animals especially where the levels of human-animal interactions are very high as in the case of Mountain gorillas. There is increased traffic of pedestrians in Bwindi’s southern sector and shared use of fallow gardens by gorillas, domestic animals and humans due to wild animal habituation and highly promoted eco-tourism, creating increased chances of exchanging disease agents. Using self administered questionnaires and interviews a cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the human-risk-behaviours that could be contributing to environmental loading with materials that are potential vehicles of pathogens in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). The study population involved park staff, tourists, local communities living/farming close to the park boundary or using foot paths through the park. The human behavioral practices/actions that risk health of gorillas included direct encounter with gorillas while walking through the forest, defecating, urinating and waste disposal, aerosol contamination by sneezing and coughing, irresponsible resource use that may impact on the health of the gorillas. The local communities present the highest risk of about 83% compared to tourists and staff. The registered human behaviours were source of environmental contamination and potential routes for pathogen transmission to the endangered mountain gorillas. Hence, public health education and sensitization, intensification in law enforcement and active epidemiological surveillance should be done so as ensure long term survival and conservation of mountain gorillas.
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