Spatio‐temporal variation in tick community composition and abundance in a wildlife–livestock interface within Nyanga National Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

AbstractHuman settlement expansion around Nyanga National Park has led to increased wildlife–livestock interaction. Tick community dynamics was evaluated in high, medium and low wildlife–livestock interaction sectors designated by extent of livestock incursions. Out of a total of 4281 ticks recorded, 39.8% were Rhipicephalus zambeziensis and 28.2% Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Hyalomma truncatum, Rhipicephalus simus, Rhipicephalus decoloratus and Amblyomma variegatum were each less than seven percent, whereas Hyalomma rufipes, Rhipicephalus compositus, Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi and Haemaphysalis leachi were each less than three percent. Tick species richness (S = 11) was highest in high interaction sectors. Amblyomma variegatum, A. hebraeum, R. compositus and R. eversti evertsi did not occur in low interaction sectors, whereas Ha. leachi was not recorded within shrublands and at high altitude. Tick abundance (p = 0.046) and diversity (p = 0.044) were only significantly influenced by interaction intensity. This could be attributed to greater host availability and increased animal bidirectional movement across the interface. Tick abundance was highest during summer. Tick dense spatial distribution was projected in areas where interaction is high. Increased interaction will increase abundance and spread of ticks into new areas within the park unless strategies to prevent animal bidirectional movement are instituted.