Variation of tsetse fly abundance in relation to habitat and host presence in the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania

Journal of Vector Ecology : Journal of the Society for Vector Ecology
Anibariki NgonyokaIsabella M Cattadori

Abstract

Human activities modify ecosystem structure and function and can also alter the vital rates of vectors and thus the risk of infection with vector-borne diseases. In the Maasai Steppe ecosystem of northern Tanzania, local communities depend on livestock and suitable pasture that is shared with wildlife, which can increase tsetse abundance and the risk of trypanosomiasis. We monitored the monthly tsetse fly abundance adjacent to Tarangire National Park in 2014-2015 using geo-referenced, baited epsilon traps. We examined the effect of habitat types and vegetation greenness (NDVI) on the relative abundance of tsetse fly species. Host availability (livestock and wildlife) was also recorded within 100×100 m of each trap site. The highest tsetse abundance was found in the ecotone between Acacia-Commiphora woodland and grassland, and the lowest in riverine woodland. Glossina swynnertoni was the most abundant species (68%) trapped throughout the entire study, while G. pallidipes was the least common (4%). Relative species abundance was negatively associated with NDVI, with greatest abundance observed in the dry season. The relationship with the abundance of wildlife and livestock was more complex, as we found positive and negative assoc...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 4, 2017·EcoHealth·Happiness J NnkoAnna Estes
Dec 13, 2017·Infectious Diseases of Poverty·Bernadette Ramirez, UNKNOWN TDR-IDRC Research Initiative on Vector Borne Diseases and Climate Change
Jul 10, 2017·Infection, Genetics and Evolution : Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases·Herakles A GarciaMarta M G Teixeira

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