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Book chapter |
Title: | Tick Species, Distribution and Control in Rehabilitated Quarries in Bamburi, Mombasa |
Author: | Okanga, S. |
Book title: | Advances in Coastal Ecology: People, processes and ecosystems in Kenya |
Editors: | Hoorweg, J. Muthiga, N. |
Year: | 2009 |
Pages: | 222-230 |
City of publisher: | Leiden |
Publisher: | African Studies Centre |
Geographic term: | Kenya |
Discipline: | Environment |
Subjects: | Environment - rehabilitation Insects - ticks Mining |
Abstract: | Ticks are acknowledged as significant disease vectors with socio-economic impacts in the management of both domestic and wild animals. The rich wildlife diversity found at Bamburi Quarry, managed by Lafarge Eco Systems (LES), encourages the presence and proliferation of ticks on LES premises. As a popular attraction for tourists and locals to visit, LES has high potential for the occurrence of tick-borne diseases and the development of new exchange patterns of pathogens between hosts. Tick control is an important aspect of wildlife management practices in LES, and also contributes towards more efficient ecosystem management. Tick densities were surveyed by dragging a towel along the ground in two different locations (South Quarry and North Quarry). Mean densities were computed by dividing the number of ticks collected by the total distance dragged. Tick densities were significantly higher in South Quarry than North Quarry. No significant difference was found between densities either between months, or between locations while current methods of tick control for the premises including burning and use of acaricid reduced tick densities, biological control using tick predators was recommended because of its potential for sustainability. (Source: Author Abstract). |