How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2015 Characteristics of Anopheles arabiensis Larval Habitats in Tubu Village, Botswana
Elijah Chirebvu, Moses J. Chimbari
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Documented information on the ecology of larval habitats in Botswana is lacking but is critical for larval control programs. Therefore, this study determined the characteristics of these habitats and the influences of biotic and abiotic factors in Tubu village, Botswana. Eight water bodies were sampled between January and December, 2013. The aquatic vegetation and invertebrate species present were characterized. Water parameters measured were turbidity (NTU), conductivity (µS/cm), oxygen (mg/l), and pH. Larval densities of Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes and their correlation with abiotic factors were determined. Larval breeding was associated with ‘short’ aquatic vegetation, a variety of habitats fed by both rainfall and flood waters and sites with predators and competitors. The monthly mean (± SEmean) larval density was 8.16±1.33. The monthly mean (±SEmean) pH, conductivity, oxygen, and turbidity were 7.65±0.13, 1152.834±69.171, 5.59±1.33, and 323.421±33.801, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between larval density and conductivity (r = -0.839; p < 0.01), while a significant positive correlation occurred between turbidity and larval density (r = 0.685; p < 0.05). Oxygen (r = 0.140; p > 0.05) and pH (r = 0.252; p > 0.05) were not correlated with larval density. Floods and diversified breeding sites contributed to prolonged and prolific larval breeding. ‘Short’ aquatic vegetation and predator-infested waters offered suitable environments for larval breeding. Turbidity and conductivity were good indicators for potential breeding places and can be used as early warning indices for predicting larval production levels.

Elijah Chirebvu and Moses J. Chimbari "Characteristics of Anopheles arabiensis Larval Habitats in Tubu Village, Botswana," Journal of Vector Ecology 40(1), 129-138, (1 June 2015). https://doi.org/10.1111/jvec.12141
Received: 30 June 2014; Accepted: 1 October 2014; Published: 1 June 2015
JOURNAL ARTICLE
10 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Anopheles arabiensis
breeding sites
Conductivity
Larval density
Tubu village
Turbidity
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top