scholarly journals Feeding Patterns and Xenomonitoring of Trypanosomes among Tsetse Flies around the Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Ngutor Karshima ◽  
Idris A. Lawal ◽  
Oluseyi Oluyinka Okubanjo
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
National Park ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Feeding Patterns ◽  
Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Multiple Feeding ◽  
Biconical Traps ◽  
Blood Meals

In order to understand the epidemiology of trypanosomoses in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria, we determined the density, infection rates, and feeding patterns of tsetse flies using biconical traps, ITS, and mitochondrial cytochrome b PCRs. A total of 631 tsetse flies were captured, of which 531 (84.2%) and 100 (15.8%) were analyzed for trypanosomes and blood meals, respectively. Tsetse distribution varied significantly (p<0.05) across study sites with average trap and daily catches of 4.39 and 26.34, respectively. Overall tsetse infection rate was 5.08% and ranged between 3.03% and 6.84% across study sites. We identified 10T. brucei, 3T. congolense savannah,2T. congolense forest, and 2 mixed infections among the 13 pools made from the 27 flies positive for trypanosomes with light microscopy. The distribution of vertebrate blood meals in tsetse flies varied significantly (p<0.05) and ranged between 6.0% and 45% across hosts. We also observed dual feeding patterns involving at least 2 hosts in 24% and multiple feeding involving at least 3 hosts in 17% of the flies. We observed predominance ofG. palpaliswhich also recorded higher infection rate.T. bruceiwas more prevalent among tsetse flies. Tsetse flies fed predominantly on cattle and less frequently on humans and also showed mixed feeding habits.

scholarly journals An update on the distribution of Glossina (tsetse flies) at the wildlife-human-livestock interface of Akagera National Park, Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Gashururu ◽  
Samuel M. Githigia ◽  
Methode N. Gasana ◽  
Richard Habimana ◽  
Ndichu Maingi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Glossina Pallidipes ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Biconical Traps

Abstract Background Glossina (tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented, and little is known on their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park. Methods A longitudinal stratified sampling following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for 6 consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June 2019 and emptied every 48 h. Flies were identified using FAO keys, and the number of flies per trap day (FTD) was used to determine the apparent density. Pearson chi-square (χ2) and parametrical tests (t-test and ANOVA) were used to determine the variations between the variables. The significance (p < 0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between tsetse occurrence and the associated predictors. Results A total of 39,516 tsetse flies were collected, of which 73.4 and 26.6% were from inside Akagera NP and the interface area, respectively. Female flies accounted for 61.3 while 38.7% were males. Two species were identified, i.e. G. pallidipes [n = 29,121, 7.4 flies/trap/day (FTD)] and G. morsitans centralis (n = 10,395; 2.6 FTD). The statistical difference in numbers was significant between the two species (p = 0.000). The flies were more abundant during the wet season (15.8 FTD) than the dry season (4.2 FTD). Large numbers of flies were trapped around the swamp areas (69.1 FTD) inside the park and in Nyagatare District (11.2 FTD) at the interface. Glossina morsitans was 0.218 times less likely to occur outside the park. The chance of co-existing between the two species reduced outside the protected area (0.021 times). Conclusions The occurrence of Glossina seems to be limited to the protected Akagera NP and a narrow band of its surrounding areas. This finding will be crucial to design appropriate control strategies. Glossina pallidipes was found in higher numbers and therefore is conceivably the most important vector of trypanosomosis. Regional coordinated control and regular monitoring of Glossina distribution are recommended. Graphic Abstract

The host-feeding patterns of some culicine mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in The Gambia

1978 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 695-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Snow ◽  
P. F. L. Boreham
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Host Feeding ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Feeding Patterns ◽  
Resting Sites ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Suction Traps ◽  
Outdoor Resting ◽  
Blood Meals

AbstractA total of 2609 blood-fed females of 23 species of Aedes and Culex was collected, mainly from outdoor resting sites or in unbaited suction traps, at two localities in The Gambia. The host-feeding patterns of the mosquitoes indicated by the results of precipitin tests on the blood-meals were of thiee types: those in which large mammals were the predominant hosts, those where mammals, birds and reptiles were represented and those in which avian feeds predominated. C. tritaeniorhynchus Giles had fed predominantly on cattle, and small numbers of nine species of Aedes had fed on large mammals. C. thalassius Theo. was non-specific in its feeding habits, with feeds from a wide range of mammals and birds and a few reptiles. No evidence was found for a change in the feeding habits of C. thalassius with increasing age. C. poicilipes (Theo.) also fed on mammals and birds. Birds were the primary hosts of C. tigripes Grp. Charm., C. nebulosus Theo./ C. cinereus Theo., C. decens Theo., C. invidiosus Theo. and C. neavei Theo., although the feeds of C. decens included a large proportion on bats.

scholarly journals An update on the distribution of Glossina (tsetse flies) at the wildlife-human-livestock interface of Akagera National Park, Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Gashururu ◽  
Samuel M. Githigia ◽  
Methode N Gasana ◽  
Richard Habimana ◽  
Ndichu Maingi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Glossina Pallidipes ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Interface Area ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Biconical Traps

Abstract BackgroundGlossina (Tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented and little is known of their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park.MethodsA longitudinal stratified sampling, following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for six consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June 2019, and emptied every 48hours. Flies were identified using FAO keys and the number of flies per trap day (FTD) was used to determine the apparent density. Pearson chi-square (χ2) and parametrical tests (t-test and ANOVA) were used to determine the variations between the variables. The significance (p< 0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between tsetse occurrence and the associated predictors. Results39,516 tsetse flies were collected, of which 73.4% and 26.6% were from inside Akagera NP and the interface area respectively. Female flies accounted for 61.3% while 38.7% were males. Two species were identified, i.e. G. pallidipes [n=29,121, 7.4 flies/trap/day (FTD)] and G. morsitans centralis (n=10,395; 2.6 FTD). The statistical difference in numbers was significant between the two species (p=0.000). The flies were more abundant during the wet season (15.8 FTD) than the dry season (4.2 FTD). Large numbers of flies were trapped around the swamp areas (69.1 FTD) inside the park and in Nyagatare District (11.2 FTD) at the interface. Glossina morsitans was 0.218 times less likely to occur outside the park. The chance of co-existing between the two species reduced outside the protected area (0.021 times).ConclusionsThe occurrence of Glossina seems to be limited to the protected Akagera NP and a narrow band in its surroundings. This finding will be crucial to design appropriate control strategies. Glossina pallidipes was found in higher numbers and therefore conceivably the most important vector of trypanosomosis. Regional coordinated control and regular monitoring of Glossina distribution are recommended.

scholarly journals Comparative performance of traps in catching tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imna I. Malele ◽  
Johnson O. Ouma ◽  
Hamisi S. Nyingilili ◽  
Winston A. Kitwika ◽  
Deusdedit J. Malulu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glossina Pallidipes ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Tsetse Fly ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Comparative Performance ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Fly Control ◽  
Tsetse Fly Control ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Biconical Traps

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of different tsetse traps in 28 sites across Tanzania. The traps used were biconical, H, NGU, NZI, pyramidal, S3, mobile, and sticky panels. Stationary traps were deployed at a distance of 200 m apart and examined 72 h after deployment. The results showed that 117 (52.2%) out of the 224 traps deployed captured at least one Glossina species. A total of five Glossina species were captured, namely Glossina brevipalpis, Glossina pallidipes, Glossina swynnertoni, Glossina morsitans, and Glossina fuscipes martinii. Biconical traps caught tsetse flies in 27 sites, pyramidal in 26, sticky panel in 20, mobile in 19, S3 in 15, NGU in 7, H in 2 and NZI in 1. A total of 21 107 tsetse flies were trapped, with the most abundant species being G. swynnertoni (55.9%), followed by G. pallidipes (31.1%), G. fuscipes martinii (6.9%) and G. morsitans (6.0%). The least caught was G. brevipalpis (0.2%). The highest number of flies were caught by NGU traps (32.5%), followed by sticky panel (16%), mobile (15.4%), pyramidal (13.0%), biconical (11.3%) and S3 (10.2%). NZI traps managed to catch 0.9% of the total flies and H traps 0.7%. From this study, it can be concluded that the most efficient trap was NGU, followed by sticky panel and mobile, in that order. Therefore, for tsetse fly control programmes, NGU traps could be the better choice. Conversely, of the stationary traps, pyramidal and biconical traps captured tsetse flies in the majority of sites, covering all three ecosystems better than any other traps; therefore, they would be suitable for scouting for tsetse infestation in any given area, thus sparing the costs of making traps for each specific Glossina species.Keywords: tseste; traps; densties; Glossina; mobile; stationary; Tanzania

scholarly journals Foraging behavior and diet of the vulnerable Cinereous Warbling-finch Poospiza cinerea (Aves, Emberizidae)

2014 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 821-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
U Wischhoff ◽  
F Marques-Santos ◽  
M Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Substrate Use ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Niche Specialization ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Central South

The Cinereous Warbling-finch Poospiza cinerea is a globally vulnerable Emberizidae passerine, patchily distributed and rare in the open savannah of central South America. Attributes of rare species include niche specificity such as feeding habits. To verify possible niche specialization in this species we aimed to describe its foraging habits related to substrate use, foraging and substrate height, attack maneuvers, and consumed food items. We monitored two groups at two study sites and sampled foraging events with intervals of 15 minutes. The substrates used in greater frequency were foliage and reproductive organs. Foraging and substrate height varied widely with study area. The attack maneuver adopted in greater frequency was glean. Most food items attacked were small invertebrates. Big invertebrates included Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Orthoptera. Poospiza cinerea was also recorded foraging in mixed bird flocks with seven other species. The generalist foraging behavior of the species cannot be associate to its rarity.

scholarly journals Excavation of Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Middens by Bears (Ursus spp.) in Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis) Habitat in Banff National Park, Alberta

2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
pp. 281 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hamer
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrel ◽  
Limber Pine ◽  
Banff National Park ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Pinus Spp

Bears (Ursus spp.) in North America eat the seeds of several pines (Pinus spp.), including Limber Pine (P. flexilis E. James). Information on use of Limber Pine in Canada is limited to a report of three bear scats containing pine seeds found in Limber Pine stands of southwestern Alberta. After my preliminary fieldwork in Banff National Park revealed that bears were eating seeds of Limber Pine there, I conducted a field study in 2014–2015 to assess this use. Because bears typically obtain pine seeds from cone caches (middens) made by Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), I described the abundance, habitat characteristics, and use by bears of Red Squirrel middens in and adjacent to Limber Pine stands at six study sites. On Bow River escarpments, I found abundant Limber Pines (basal area 1–9 m2/ha) and middens (0.8 middens/ha, standard deviation [SD] 0.2). Of 24 middens, 13 (54%) had been excavated by bears, and three bear scats composed of pine seeds were found beside middens. Although Limber Pines occurred on steep, xeric, windswept slopes (mean 28°, SD 3), middens occurred on moderate slopes (mean 12°, SD 3) in escarpment gullies and at the toe of slopes in forests of other species, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). At the five other study sites, I found little or no use of Limber Pine seeds by bears, suggesting that Limber Pine habitat may be little used by bears unless the pines are interspersed with (non-Limber Pine) habitat with greater forest cover and less-steep slopes where squirrels establish middens. These observations provide managers with an additional piece of information regarding potential drivers of bear activity in the human-dominated landscape of Banff National Park’s lower Bow Valley.

scholarly journals An Investigation into Marmot Migration in Grand Teton National Park

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
George Montopoli ◽  
Nick Visser ◽  
Hank Harlow
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Snow Melt ◽  
Marmota Flaviventris ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
The North ◽  
North Fork ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Long Distance Movement

In 1994 and 1995, a high abundant winter snowfall at higher elevations appeared to result in long distance movement patterns by yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) over snow to lower, snowfree elevations where food was more available. As the snow melted and food became abundant, the marmots return to higher altitudes. In 1996, we continued to investigate the potential for migrational movements, by studying two study sites at different elevations in the North Fork of Cascade Canyon. Four marmots at each site were implanted with intraperitoneal tracking transmitters. Of eight marmots that were equipped with intraperitoneal transmitters, six demonstrated significant movements of greater than 0.5 km, one did not, and one most likely died as a result of predation before any movement could be observed. Of the six that demonstrated significant movements within the canyon, only one moved distances greater than 1 km. Marmots, after emerging from hibernation, migrated down canyon to snowfree areas as they become available. With progressive snow melt, most marmots move upward to higher elevations, but not to the extent originally expected. Instead, they moved to the first available habitat where food was obtainable, and other (dominant) marmots accepted their presence. This movement is exhibited in both males and females, yearlings and adults, and melanistic and normal colored marmots.

scholarly journals The effect of invasive species Lantana Camara L. on soil nutrients at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
M N Wekhanya ◽  
P. K. Mbugua ◽  
J. K. Mworia
Keyword(s):  
Soil Nutrients ◽  
National Park ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Lantana Camara ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Anova Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Sites

The aim of this study was to establish whether the invasive plant Lantana camara L. alters the soil chemical properties at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park. The key objective was to evaluate the soil nutrient composition in areas invaded by L. camara and how these differ from areas without L. camara. Five study sites were selected by purposeful sampling, out of the existing 10 blocks. Soil samples were collected randomly from L. camara invaded areas and similarly from adjacent areas free from L. camara. The soil samples were subjected to determination of the following nutrients and parameters: pH, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), total organic carbon (TOC), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and sodium (Na). The data obtained was analysed using Two-way ANOVA test to determine difference in nutrients composition in L. camara invaded and non-invaded areas. Three-way ANOVA test was used to gauge the interactions between wet and dry season, invaded and non-invaded areas and study sites. A post-ANOVA test, Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference was done to separate the means. The results from the study indicated L. camara invaded areas had a significant difference in pH, P, N, Mn, Fe and total organic C compared to the patches that had native plants and not invaded by L. camara. High pH also makes P to be more available to plants that is why P was high in the L. camara invaded areas. This study revealed that L. camara remarkably changes the concentration and balance of soil nutrients resulting to a change in chemistry of soil nutrients. This is in a bid to suit its survival to the detriment of the native plant species. This study is hence vital for designing an effective eradication and preventive strategy of L. camara in Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park and other protected ecological habitats in Kenya.

scholarly journals Community Structure and Functional Role of Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis) in Treeline Communities in Rocky Mountain National Park

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 838
Author(s):  
Laurel A. Sindewald ◽  
Diana F. Tomback ◽  
Eric R. Neumeyer
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Rocky Mountain National Park ◽  
Tree Islands ◽  
Pinus Flexilis ◽  
Tree Island ◽  
Limber Pine ◽  
Study Sites

Research Highlights: Limber pine (Pinus flexilis) is abundant in some alpine treeline ecotone (ATE) communities east of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the Colorado Front Range. Limber pine may be able to colonize the ATE under changing climate aided by directed seed dispersal by Clark’s nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). Cronartium ribicola, white pine blister rust, is a growing threat to limber pine and may affect its functional role within the ATE. Background and Objectives: The ATE is sensitive, worldwide, to increasing temperature. However, the predicted advance of treeline under a changing climate may be modified by tree species composition and interactions. We aimed to (1) examine the conifer species composition and relative abundances in treeline communities with limber pine; (2) assess which functional roles limber pine assumes in these communities—tree island initiator, tree island component, and/or solitary tree; and (3) determine whether limber pine’s occurrence as a tree island initiator can be predicted by its relative abundance as a solitary tree. Materials and Methods: We selected four study sites in RMNP above subalpine forest limber pine stands. We sampled the nearest tree island to each of forty random points in each study site as well as solitary tree plots. Results: Across study sites, limber pine comprised, on average, 76% of solitary trees and was significantly more abundant as a solitary tree than Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) or subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). Limber pine was a frequent component of multi-tree islands in three study sites, the major component in one study site, and dominated single-tree islands at two study sites. At three of four study sites, no species had significantly greater odds of being a tree island initiator. Limber pine was found less often as a tree island initiator than predicted from its relative abundance as a solitary tree, given the likely role of solitary trees in tree island formation.

scholarly journals Distribution and Habitat Preference of Hispid Hare (Caprolagus Hispidus) In Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Dhirendra Bahadur Chand ◽  
Laxman Khanal ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Chalise
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
National Park ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Tall Grass ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Food Species ◽  
Study Sites

 Hispid hare (Caprolagu shispidus) is an endangered lagomorph which had a wide range of distribution in the past, but currently it is known to occur only from few isolated tall grass pockets of India and Nepal. We explored the population status, habitat utilization and existing threats of the Hispid hare at Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP) by the strip transect and quadrate sampling methods from November 2015 to May 2016 covering both winter and summer seasons. Four study sites of total 1.58ha were selected within SNPand strip transects were randomly laid to determine presence and absence of pellets of Hispid hare and their counts were used to estimate the population density. The Population density of Hispid hare was found to be 0.1820/ha in winter and 0.2268/ha in summer with the statistically significant preference to the tall grassland habitat. Twelve grass species were identified in the habitat of Hispid hare with dominancy of Saccharum spontaneum, Imperata cylindrica, Narenga porphyrocoma, and Saccharum munj. Among the grasses, Imperata cylindrica and Narenga porphyrocoma were the food species of higher preference for Hispid hare.

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