Spatial Hotspots of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Attock, Pothwar, Punjab, Pakistan
Spatial Hotspots of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Attock, Pothwar, Punjab, Pakistan
Arif Mehmood1*, Muhammad Asam Riaz1, Abu Bakar Muhammad Raza1, Waqas Raza2, Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed1
ABSTRACT
Hotspot information leads to precision in the application of control strategies. Mosquitoes inhabit diverse types of habitats depending upon host preference, biotic and abiotic characteristics of the habitats. This study mainly targeted the collection, identification, and sorting of mosquitoes habitat-wise in the Attock district of Pothwar region. Collection of specimens was done from specified habitats during 2014-16. A total of fourteen species belonging to four genera were collected from eight different habitats. The most abundant habitats were recreational parks, followed by residential areas and forests, while the least abundant habitats were graveyards. Maximum Simpson index (0.90) and Shanon Index (2.45) was observed in residential area, while maximum evenness (0.97) was recorded in streams. Quantitative habitat web structures were used for the first time to present habitat distribution graphically. These webs and diversity indices provide hotspot information, and hotspot information is always an efficient tool in precise control of mosquitoes in the form of epidemic occurrence.
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