Investigating the impact of human settlements upon the availability of larval habitats and Aedes albopictus population

Abstract

This experiment analysed the impact of human settlements upon Aedes albopictus populations. Surveys were conducted in natural environments (twice-logged forest) and human settlements in oil palm and logged forest. At each study site, three surveys were conducted:

1) Aquatic Habitat Survey: within the study area, all bodies of water were analysed for abiotic characteristics – container type, water volume, air temperature, water temperature, canopy cover and turbidity. 2) Larval Survey: for each body of water, the number of and stage of larvae/pupae was recorded. Larvae/pupae were extracted from the water, reared to adults and Ae. albopictus were identified. 3) Adult Population Survey: human landing catches were conducted to collect Ae. albopictus adults. Abundance and sex ratio was recorded for each location, and the wing span of each individual was taken.

This experiment analysed the impact of human settlements upon Aedes albopictus populations. Surveys were conducted in natural environments (twice-logged forest) and human settlements in oil palm and logged forest. At each study site, three surveys were conducted: 1) Aquatic Habitat Survey: within the study area, all bodies of water were analysed for abiotic characteristics – container type, water volume, air temperature, water temperature, canopy cover and turbidity. 2) Larval Survey: for each body of water, the number of and stage of larvae/pupae was recorded. Larvae/pupae were extracted from the water, reared to adults and Ae. albopictus were identified. 3) Adult Population Survey: human landing catches were conducted to collect Ae. albopictus adults. Abundance and sex ratio was recorded for each location, and the wing span of each individual was taken.