Diversity and colonization of permanent and semi-permanent breeding habitats by Anopheles mosquitoes in a semi-arid ecosystem of Baringo district in Kenya.

Resume Diversity, occurrence and utilization of mosquito breeding habitats is an essential component of vector ecology and important in designing and implementation of vector management programs. A one year larval survey was conducted to determine utilization of different habitats for mosquito. Larval sampling was conducted weekly. The habitats were classified as permanent or semi permanent and their characteristics documented. Availability of habitats in this semi-arid ecosystem was directly correlated with the seasons. Five mosquito breeding habitats in the area comprised ditch, marsh, canals, culverts and pan dams (pools). Of these breeding habitats 60% were man made while natural habitats accounted for the remaining 40%. Except for canals, other habitats were colonized by Anopheles gambiae, pharoensis and funestus. Both natural and artificial breeding habitats were productive for Anopheles, however, the abundance of larvae collected from the habitats was determined by season. Permanence of the habitat had a significant influence on larval productivity and composition of species. There was broad distribution of A. gambiae and A. pharoensis in all the breeding habitats while An. funestus was restricted to permanent breeding habitat-Marsh and dry season. Of the aquatic habitats 80% were potential breeding sites. Permanent and semi-permanent habitats should be equally targeted to control larval stages of mosquitoes in semi-arid areas.