Water sources selected for immature development of some African rainforest dwelling mosquitoes under different landscapes in Cameroon

Abstract

Little is known about the behaviors of African equatorial rain forest mosquito species and their potential role as sylvatic and bridge-vectors of various pathogens of animal and public health. In 2016 and 2017, the diversity and sources of water supporting immature development of mosquitoes in Talangaye Rainforest (South West Cameroon) before, during and after deforestation were investigated. Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupae were collected from 12 natural, seminatural, and artificial water sources and reared to adults. A total of 595 adult mosquitoes belonging to seven genera and at least 43 species were identified. Culex was the most abundant (56.3%) and was encountered in the majority in bamboo pots. Aedes and Uranotaenia species were mostly found in rock pools, while Anopheles and Hodgesia species solely prefer stream pools. In terms of mosquito abundance, rock pools were the most productive (29.91%) followed by bamboo pots (24.7%). Natural sites such as rock pools, tree holes, and stream pools recorded a greater number of species (S = 21, 14 and 12 respectively). During the rainy season, rock pools (46.23%) and bamboo pots (18.7%) were the most productive water bodies, while in the dry season, bamboo pots (35.71%) and stream pools (35.71%) harbored the most mosquitoes. The disturbed and pristine-like habitats had the greatest number of mosquitoes and breeding sites compared to palm plantation. This study provides some useful data on water sources used for immature development of forest mosquito species in Southwest Cameroon and how some species might adapt to changing landscapes, especially due to deforestation.