Effects of ecological contexts and savannah management on mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are part of a multitrophic ecosystem that includes hosts that provide their blood-meal, plants that provide sugar sources, and parasites. In their role as vectors, parasites can be transmitted from one host to another through blood meals. The number of bites on a host and host-choice are key determinants of disease risk. The importance of mosquito feeding behaviour is exemplified by outdoor-feeding malaria vectors. Their preference for biting outdoor animals limits the effect of indoor mosquito-control and influences residual malaria transmission across Africa. In addition to its importance for human disease, mosquito blood-feeding patterns also influence disease in wildlife populations. Given the importance of wildlife infections in disease emergence and increasing pressures on conservation areas, understanding mosquito feeding patterns across a diversity of ecological contexts remains a priority. Vector sampling will dovetail with ongoing sampling efforts conducted by the Organisation for Tropical Studies (OTS). OTS is a world-leading institution in tropical biology that manages long-term research and education projects in the park. This ensures a level of covid resilience and integration with the park’s long-term studies.

Vector Control

Oct 2021 — Mar 2025

South Africa