Flora and fauna of mosquito breeding sites in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out between January and July 2021 in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Three sites in each of the eight towns of the Local Government Area were visited and sampled to determine and evaluate the relationship between mosquito species and biotic factors in the mosquito breeding environment. At each site mosquito larvae were collected and flora and fauna at each site were identified. The flora identified included grasses, green Algae, Pride of Barbados and others, while the fauna identified included Damsel flies, Dragon flies, Tadpoles, Midges, Lizard. The Damsel flies, Dragon flies and Tadpoles dominate the fauna distribution chart while Green Algae has the highest percentage of the flora distribution chart followed by grasses and pride of Barbados with the least percentage. The correlation coefficient indicated a positive relationship between larva density and flora while larva density and fauna showed some negative relationship. Adequate understanding of vector ecology is needed to control mosquito particularly in deploying environmental modification around host settlements. This understanding will better serve over deployment of chemicals into such sites that may affect non-targeted organisms.