Diversity and colonization of permanent and semi-permanent breeding habitats by Anopheles mosquitoes in a semi-arid ecosystem of Baringo district in Kenya
Abstract
207 words
Diversity, occurrence and utilization of mosquito breeding
habitats is an essential component of vector ecology and
important in designing and implementation of vector
management programs. A one year larval survey was conducted
to determine utilization of different habitats for mosquito. Larval
sampling was conducted weekly. The habitats were classified
as permanent or semi permanent and their characteristics
documented. Availability of habitats in this semi-arid ecosystem
was directly correlated with the seasons. Five mosquito breeding
habitats in the area comprised ditch, marsh, canals, culverts
and pan dams (pools). Of these breeding habitats 60% were
man made while natural habitats accounted for the remaining
40%. Except for canals, other habitats were colonized by
Anopheles gambiae, pharoensis and funestus. Both natural
and artificial breeding habitats were productive for Anopheles,
however, the abundance of larvae collected from the habitats
was determined by season. Permanence of the habitat had a
significant influence on larval productivity and composition of
species. There was broad distribution of A. gambiae and A.
pharoensis in all the breeding habitats while An. funestus was
restricted to permanent breeding habitat-Marsh and dry season.
Of the aquatic habitats 80% were potential breeding sites.
Permanent and semi-permanent habitats should be equally
targeted to control larval stages of mosquitoes in semi-arid areas.
Subjects
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