Ecological Diversity Of Aquatic Insects With Emphasis On Mosquito Of Qatar And Perception As Well As Awareness Level Among Qatari Toward Mosquito-Borne Disease
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Date
2018-02
Authors
Alkhayat, Fatima Abdulla
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
A mosquito larval survey was conducted in Qatar from October 2013 to May 2015 to study the larval composition, distribution and larval habitats. Standard dipping technique was used to sample mosquito larvae from different breeding habitats, while aquatic insects were sampled using dipping and dragging techinques. Knowledge and awareness level among people of Qatar towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases were investigated between September and December 2013 through distributing a paper questionnaire. Six species representing three genera were recognized, namely, Anopheles stephensi, Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex mattinglyi. Ochlerotatus dorsalis and Ochlerotatus caspius. Culex mattinglyi is a first record in Qatar, and Oc. dorsalis is the first identified in the larval stage. Mosquito larvae were most abundant in the winter and low in the summer, while the maximum (H= 1.03), and minimum (H= 0.77) diversity was found in fall and summer respectively. The three seasons; fall, winter and spring are the most preferable seasons due to moderate s air temperature and low evapouration. Maximum diversity (H= 0.95) was found in the urban area and minimum diversity (H= 0.26) in the industrial area. Environmental variables were recorded at each habitat including shade, turbidity, vegetation, algae, predators, water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH. Majority of breeding habitats were found in urban areas due to human activities and minority in the natural areas. Drinking water pools were the most productive habitats for mosquito larvae. Anopheles stephensi has a negative association with water depth and vegetation and positive association with large and shaded habitats (P < 0.05).
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Keywords
Aquatic insects with emphasis on mosquito of Qatar , awareness level among qatari toward mosquito-borne diseases