Modeling of the Habitat Characteristics and Ecological Niche of the Asian Tiger Mosquito in a Fine-Scale Area of a Primate Research Center Using the Maximum Entropy Model.

Abstract

Introduction: Aedes-borne diseases, such as Zika and Chikungunya, originate from an enzootic cycle in which non-human primates (NHPs) function as reservoirs. This study aimed to analyze the characteristic habitat and ecological niche models of Aedes albopictus within the confines of a Primate Research Center (PRC), to assess its potential as a site for zoonotic arbovirus transmission. Additionally, this study aimed to construct a comprehensive map to delineate the risks of arbovirus transmission.

Methods: A 1-year direct field survey was conducted from January to December 2022 in the PRC to obtain comprehensive data on the presence of larvae, including their conditions, habitat types, and physicochemical characteristics. Larval collection was meticulously performed at potential breeding sites using a 350 ml dipper and pipette. Information on the ecological niche was compiled based on a combination of general environmental variables and mosquito presence data obtained from direct field surveys using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model.

Results: In total, 120 presence points for Ae. albopictus larvae were obtained from the PRC area, with 23.02% of the larvae found in buckets as artificial habitats, and 18.25% found in bromeliad plants as natural habitat types. Larvae of Ae. albopictus occupy artificial habitats that are not turbid, exposed to direct sunlight, and devoid of predators. The abundances and occurrences of Ae. albopictus larvae was found to be significantly influenced by pH and total dissolved solids. This study showed that the PRC was a suitable habitat for breeding Ae. albopictus larvae, with the distance to buildings emerging as a significant environmental variable in the species distribution model CONCLUSIONS: The fine-scale empirical model developed for Ae. albopictus and its habitat characteristics not only provide insights into the suitability of vector habitats, but can also be used assess the risk of arbovirus transmission, potentially informing strategies for controlling mosquito breeding sites within the PRC.