Research Article
Mapping Potential Anopheles stephensi Habitats for Implementing “Seek and Destroy” Malaria Larval Source Management in Kwale County, Kenya
Ariel Isabelle Burnett*,
Ricardo Izurieta,
Ismael Hoare,
Namit Choudhari,
Jesse Casanova,
Brooke Yost,
Charles Mbogo,
Joseph Mwangangi,
Martin Rono,
Anthony Masys,
Benjamin George Jacob
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
120-129
Received:
3 October 2023
Accepted:
26 October 2023
Published:
29 November 2023
Abstract: We will reveal specific locations of potential habitats of Anopheles stephensi, a new and invasive malaria vector, in Kwale, Kenya. Previous regression models have not been able to locate specific habitats of this malaria vector in Kenya. This publication seeks to determine locations of potential artificial water container habitats of An. stephensi via remote visual detection and determine geo-ecological factors that are associated with those habitats. The preliminary signature mapping of potential habitats was done by obtaining GPS coordinates of potential, capture point, sentinel site locations through visual remote sensing of artificial water containers using Google Earth. Using a second-order eigenfunction, eigendecomposition, spatial filter algorithm to determine clustering propensities or non-propensities of those mapped potential capture point, sentinel site larval habitats, we were able to eco-cartographically distinguish hot and cold spots on stratified, georeferenced, Land Use Land Cover (LULC) polygons, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) map within ArcGIS Pro. The results showed that there was a strong tendency towards clustering (Moran’s I=0.67, p<0.001) and potential habitat hotspots were more likely to occur in urban classified LULC, grid-stratified areas (51.28% and 46.15% of the hotspot locations were in urban commercial and urban residential land covers respectively). Moreover, the georeferenced hotspot locations of potential habitats were found at higher elevations than the coldspots (409.1± 6.112m vs 379.5 ± 21.51m) and the hotspot habitats were closely associated with soil and low vegetation (mean NDVI=0.121 ± 0.0661). When faced with this new vector, these ecological variables can be employed to spatially target and prioritize potential habitats for implementing “Seek and Destroy” larval source management programs.
Abstract: We will reveal specific locations of potential habitats of Anopheles stephensi, a new and invasive malaria vector, in Kwale, Kenya. Previous regression models have not been able to locate specific habitats of this malaria vector in Kenya. This publication seeks to determine locations of potential artificial water container habitats of An. stephensi...
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Research Article
Seasonal Population Dynamics of White Mango Scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis at Different Agro-ecologies and Its Cardinal Direction Preferences in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Temesgen Fita*,
Emana Getu,
Mulatu Wakgari,
Kebede Woldetsadike
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
130-142
Received:
5 October 2023
Accepted:
9 December 2023
Published:
22 December 2023
Abstract: Mango production is constrained by the infestation of arthropod pests, among which white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis, is the most economically important insect pest causing devastating damage in Ethiopia. This study investigated the status of A. tubercularis in western Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of three districts (Guto Gida, Bako Tibe and Elu Gelan) and Nekemte city, among each, two orchards and five mango trees were selected purposively. Twelve leaves were collected monthly from each tree: from upper, middle and lower canopies and the A. tubercularis cluster (ATC) were recorded. RCBD was employed to determine the level ATC density. The results of the study revealed that A. tubercularis present in all study areas throughout the year with a fluctuating ATC density in which the highest ATC was concentrated on the upper side of the leaves. The abundance population density of the ATC population showed significant differences among the study months and cardinal directions, where the A. tubrcularis prefers the southern cardinal direction. The abundance of ATC population was significantly higher at Bako (p<0.05), where the ATC was abundant on the upper surface of the leaf in all study areas. There was a marked increase in ATC population density from March to mid-June with an increased precipitation and a swift decrease to nonexistent from mid-June to September followed by prolonged heavy precipitation. Furthermore, the study investigated the effect of basic climatic factors and cardinal direction differences on the population density of ATC, where the other contributing factors need to be investigated further.
Abstract: Mango production is constrained by the infestation of arthropod pests, among which white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis, is the most economically important insect pest causing devastating damage in Ethiopia. This study investigated the status of A. tubercularis in western Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of three districts (Guto Gida, Bako Tibe and ...
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