Species composition and land use pattern of mosquito vector species in Sonitpur district, Assam

Abstract

The risk of mosquito-borne diseases has put world under threat for long years. Many dependant variables, particularly physical and biological parameters of the breeding site directly influence the species richness and abundance patterns of mosquito species. The present study is an attempt to map the mosquito vector distribution in Sonitpur district of Assam, an endemic district in terms of mosquito borne diseases. Mosquito vectors are collected using CDC light traps from 21 different habitats along with their geographic coordinates. Geospatial technologies have been used for better interpretation of the mosquito distribution pattern. This study reveals that, the Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes are the dominant species. Malaria vectors are dominant in the northern part of the district due to the high extents of forest patches. Culex species is mainly distributed in the wetlands associated area and Mansonia species does not show affinity towards a particular habitat. Result of the study will be a significant endeavour in improving the scientific understanding and effective controlling the mosquito-borne diseases.