The seasonal abundance of Aedes (Stegomyia) Albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera:Culicidae) in Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus, Penang
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Date
2006
Authors
Yaacob, Nor Adzliyana
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Abstract
A survey was carried out to determine the population density of dengue vector, Aedes albopictus in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, from November 2003 to November 2004. Eighty ovitraps were placed in the study areas and were collected weekly for 13 months. This surveillance was also carried out to verify the influence of temperature, rainfall and relative humidity on the amount of eggs collected in the ovitraps. GIS-based maps were used to plot ovitrap areas and predict the possible high-risk areas with a high density of this mosquito species.
The findings showed that total collection of Ae. albopictus eggs in hostel and wooded areas achieved the same percentage of 34% each while 32% obtained in open-space. There was no significant difference on the amount of eggs collected in the three areas (ANOVA). Hence, it explained that mean numbers of Ae. albopictus eggs collected in each study area did not differ from others because the study sites are located near and adjacent to each other and there was a probability that the female mosquito tend to lay eggs at numerous ovitrap stations, known as species survival mechanism.
This study also shows that only in wooded area has a strong relationship with lagged one month rainfall. Thus, the result shows that a higher amount of
rainfall will increase the total eggs collected in wooded area. The study also indicated that a high mean of temperature and high relative humidity in the study area will decrease the amount of monthly egg collection.
GIS based maps were generated to produce an ovitrap map and were able to indicate hotspot areas that have high density of the Ae. albopictus eggs. As expected, the areas with most the human-based activities indicate a higher-risk area compared to wooded area. Forecast and buffer maps are then created to predict the abundances and other potential breeding areas of Ae. albopictus in future.
Description
Master
Keywords
Biological science , Aedes albopictus