Biocomplexity -- Incubation Activity: Anopheline Mosquito Adaptation to Urban Environments

Tulane University, New Orleans LA

Investigators

Abstract

Cities in Africa are experiencing rapid human population growth without comparable economic development, and this is creating diverse ecological problems. In many African cities, the majority of residents live impoverished in settlements without adequate water, sanitation, and electricity. Such conditions promote the transmission of dangerous insect-borne diseases like malaria. This project will study Anopheles mosquitoes in two ecologically different Kenyan cities. The goal is to develop a model for better understanding and predicting how Anopheles mosquito populations are affected by key factors associated with urbanization. Activities will include: 1) planning meetings to develop the model for assessing Anopheles mosquito populations and 2) field and laboratory studies of Anopheles mosquito populations in Kenya. This project will be coordinated with a well-established insect science program in Kenya to unite scientists working on mosquito ecology and behavior with teams of scientists specializing in ecological modeling and spatial statistics, geographic information technology, social and behavioral sciences, hydrology, demography, and urban planning. This project on biocomplexity and urbanization in Africa will produce a computational model for Anopheles mosquitoes that can be used practically to help guide activities relating to urban planning and environmental policy in Africa. With a strong focus on training African scientists and student, the project will strengthen international educational programs in the area of insect science and will help promote the use of ecological techniques for problem-solving in Africa.