Impact of Management Strategies of the San Antonio River on Mosquito Diversity and Abundance

Kailynn Wells

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

The San Antonio River (SAR) has undergone restoration efforts which has led to certain sites having improved riparian zones, which can provide breeding and resting sites for mosquitoes. We hypothesized that the SAR riparian areas serve as sources of mosquitoes and that historically unmanaged and restored areas show greater abundance and diversity of mosquitoes than heavily managed locations. We selected 8 locations along the SAR with varying levels of management. In 2022 and 2023 we conducted weekly larval and adult surveillance during the summer. Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus accounted for the majority of the mosquitoes collected across sites. All heavily managed sites showed low mosquito abundance and diversity. Most historically unmanaged or restored sites had relatively higher mosquito abundance and diversity. We conclude that the SAR is not a major source of mosquitoes, but that restoration efforts and unmanaged areas along the river may influence mosquito abundance.

Comments

Studies in Biology & Water Resources
BHL 262

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