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A Model of Mosquito–Mangrove Basin Ecosystems with Implications for Management

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Abstract

A model of the mosquito–mangrove basin ecosystem is presented detailing the habitat of the saltwater mosquito Aedes vigilax utilizing mangrove basin forests in Australia. The modeling included a synthesis of empirical observations and published descriptions including the insect’s relevant life-stages, mangrove basin topography and hydrodynamics. Shallow mangrove basins periodically connected by only the highest 10% of high tides with a hummocky substrate micro-topography characterize the main mangrove form conducive to Ae. vigilax breeding. Other essential features include the synchronization of the mosquito’s lifecycle to basin hydrodynamics and thus an intricate relationship between hydrodynamics and basin structure. Very small decreases in basin water level (~1 cm/day) lead to significant decreases in extent of standing water (for example, 60% over 6 days) across the basin. This results in corresponding increases in the extent of exposed substrate. Also, the modeling demonstrated sensitivity of the mosquito–mangrove basin ecosystem to sea level changes. A hydrologic model of the basin was used to predict mosquito breeding episodes which were tested against a mosquito management larviciding program. The model predicted 75% of all 29 larviciding treatments undertaken. Comparing the model against the two triggers used by mosquito control, tides and rainfall, the model predicted 92% of tidally instigated treatments and 60% of rainfall instigated treatments. Application of the model enables consideration of environment-based minimal habitat modification for mosquito control in mangroves, not previously possible. The model will be applicable to similar species, such as Ae. taeniorhynchus, found in Florida’s (USA) mangroves.

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Acknowledgments

I thank the reviewers for their useful comments and suggestions. I thank John Spencer (Griffith University) and Nicole Shepherd for reviewing the revised manuscript. I acknowledge support from and thank: Professor Pat Dale (Griffith University) for comments and suggestions throughout the work; Cecily Draper, Program Leader Pest Management at Moreton Bay Regional Council, and Clive Easton, Entomologist, Tweed Shire Council, for comments and improvements on the various model components; Professor Stuart Phinn and staff in the School of Geography Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, for supporting and resourcing when conducting some of the early research; and, the Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management CRC and the Australian Government who provided financial support to undertake some of the early research. I also thank: Daryl Metters, Spatial Information Manager, Tidal Unit, Maritime Safety Queensland Tidal for providing tidal observation data and high tide exceedance data; the Australian Bureau of Meteorology for providing rainfall and weather data; and, the Mosquito and Arbovirus Research Committee for on-going support.

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  1. Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia

    Jon M. Knight

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Correspondence to Jon M. Knight.

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Knight, J.M. A Model of Mosquito–Mangrove Basin Ecosystems with Implications for Management. Ecosystems 14, 1382–1395 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-011-9487-x

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