Journal of Mosquito Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 226-236 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 227 influencing mosquito abundance and distribution, evaluate the implications of mosquito population trends for public health and vector control strategies, and provide recommendations for future research and integrated vector management approaches to mitigate the impact of mosquito-borne diseases, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of mosquito ecology and informing more effective public health interventions. 2 Factors Influencing Mosquito Population Dynamics 2.1 Environmental factors (temperature, humidity, rainfall) Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall play a crucial role in shaping mosquito population dynamics. Temperature influences the life cycle duration and reproductive rates of mosquitoes, with higher temperatures generally accelerating development and increasing reproductive rates (Figure 1) (Masimalai, 2021; Brown et al., 2023). However, extreme temperatures can negatively impact mosquito survival and activity (Kirik et al., 2021). Humidity is another critical factor, often overlooked, that affects mosquito desiccation rates and overall fitness. High humidity levels can enhance mosquito survival and activity, while low humidity can lead to increased mortality (Asigau and Parker, 2018; Brown et al., 2023). Rainfall contributes to the availability of breeding sites, as many mosquito species lay their eggs in standing water. However, the relationship between rainfall and mosquito abundance is complex and can vary by species and location. Some studies have shown that mosquito populations can thrive even with minimal rainfall, provided there are other sources of standing water (Brugueras et al., 2020; Whittaker et al., 2021). 2.2 Biological factors (reproductive rates, life cycle duration) Biological factors such as reproductive rates and life cycle duration are intrinsic to mosquito population dynamics. The reproductive rate of mosquitoes is influenced by environmental conditions, with optimal temperatures and humidity levels leading to higher reproductive success (Masimalai, 2021; Brown et al., 2023). The life cycle duration of mosquitoes, from egg to adult, is also temperature-dependent. Warmer temperatures generally shorten the development time, allowing for more generations to occur within a given period (Traoré et al., 2020; Masimalai, 2021). Additionally, density-dependent factors such as competition for resources and predation can influence mosquito population dynamics. For instance, interspecific predation on mosquito larvae and competition for resources can significantly impact larval survival rates and, consequently, adult mosquito abundance (Ewing et al., 2019). 2.3 Human activity and land use (urbanization, agricultural practices) Human activities and land use changes, such as urbanization and agricultural practices, significantly influence mosquito population dynamics. Urbanization creates unique habitats with varying levels of vegetation, standing water, and concrete structures, all of which can affect mosquito abundance and distribution (Kirik et al., 2021). Lower-income urban neighborhoods often have higher mosquito densities due to factors such as inadequate sewage systems, garbage dumps, and abandoned buildings, which provide ideal breeding sites (Yitbarek et al., 2023). Agricultural practices, particularly those involving irrigation, can also create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. For example, wet rice cultivation provides extensive standing water habitats that support high mosquito densities (Masimalai, 2021). 2.4 Interaction with predators and competitors Interactions with predators and competitors are important biotic factors that influence mosquito population dynamics. Predation on mosquito larvae by other aquatic organisms can significantly reduce mosquito populations. For instance, interspecific predation has been identified as a major source of larval mortality in some mosquito species. Additionally, competition for resources among mosquito larvae can affect survival rates and development times. In environments with high larval densities, competition for food and space can lead to increased mortality and slower development (Ewing et al., 2019). Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective mosquito control strategies, as they can inform the use of biological control agents and habitat management practices to reduce mosquito populations.
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