Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
H. spinigera
H. turturis
H. kinneari
H. kyasanurensis
Barur (1961)
Hillemarur (1962)
Malve (1963)
Marur (1964)
Marasa (1964)
Kangodu (1964)
Figure 3.3
Vertical distribution of ixodid ticks on vegetation in the KFD area.
semi-deciduous, and deciduous. These three types are found in most of the locali-
ties adjacent to each other forming a mosaic. Delineation of the types is not clear
cut, because they merge with each other and produce a transitional strip of ecotones
between them. Along the border between the forests and the grasslands there are
usually ecotones of scrub or thickets of various kinds. The grassland is usually dot-
ted with small patches of vegetation, which most of the time form thick, impenetra-
ble clumps. During a study undertaken in the KFD area, it was observed that tick
fauna varies in such different ecologic situations (
Figure 3.3
). H. turturis and
H. kinneari predominate in semi-evergreen and semi-deciduous forest. The relative
prevalence of nymphs of H. spinigera and H. turturis varied in different localities
depending upon the animal fauna and ecology (
Figure 3.4
) so much so that an
experienced insect collector can recognize H. turturis area and H. spinigera area
separately. Tick species of the KFD area, excepting H. spinigera, generally feed
upon wild mammals and usually do not bite man. The tick H. spinigera feeds
mainly upon cattle and therefore is preponderant in deciduous forest and plantation
of teak and eucalyptus where cattle graze. During the study, it was observed that the
heights of vegetation, at which the adults of various species settled, corresponded to
the height ranges of the preferred hosts. Tick species such as H. wellingtoni, which
generally feeds on ground birds, selected lowest height on vegetation, whereas
H. shimoga, which feeds on buffalos and Gaur sambar deer were observed at higher
heights (
Figure 3.5
).
3.7 Control of Haemaphysalis Ticks in the KFD
Area
34,42,100,110,123
In the KFD area, Drumund et al. have observed that lindane was more effective
and toxic than carbaryl, which was more toxic than malathion. It appeared that one
or two treatments of lindane at dosages of 0.1 to 1 lb/acre was highly effective in
killing tick vectors of the KFD and particularly useful in areas where monkey
