Altitudinal distribution of mosquitoes in mountainous area of Garhwal region : Part–I

• Main Author: N. Pemola Devi , R.K. Jauhari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2004-03-01
• Series: Journal of Vector Borne Diseases
• Subjects: Altitudinal/elevational distribution; Garhwal region; immature mosquitoes; mosquito fauna
• Online Access: http://www.mrcindia.org/journal/issues/411017.pdf

Background & objectives : Mosquito fauna diversity in mountainous areas of Garhwal region wasstudied during November 2000 to October 2002 to correlate the altitudinal vegetation and distributionof mosquitoes.Methods : Adult mosquitoes and mosquito immatures were collected using WHO methods and identifiedusing standard keys and catalogues. Altitude of mosquito habitat was measured using portablealtimeter and also by GPS.Results : Altogether 34 species in five genera — Aedes, Anopheles, Armigeres, Culex and Uranotaeniawere encountered in the present study in the altitude range of 300 to 2000 m. Majority of themosquitoes were found in between 300 to 900 m altitude except Culex vagus and Anopheles maculatus,which were found throughout the range.Interpretation & conclusion : The mosquitoes were categorised into six groups based on their altitudinaldistribution. The areas at lowest elevation were having the greatest number of species but notthe corresponding greater number of specimens in the present study.