Real-time dispersal of malaria vectors in rural Africa monitored with lidar.

Lack of tools for detailed, real-time observation of mosquito behavior with high spatio-temporal resolution limits progress towards improved malaria vector control. We deployed a high-resolution entomological lidar to monitor a half-kilometer static transect positioned over rice fields outside a Tanzanian village. A quarter of a million in situ insect observations were classified, and several insect taxa were identified based on their modulation signatures. We observed distinct range distributions of male and female mosquitoes in relation to the village periphery, and spatio-temporal behavioral features, such as swarming. Furthermore, we observed that the spatial distributions of males and females change independently of each other during the day, and were able to estimate the daily dispersal of mosquitoes towards and away from the village. The findings of this study demonstrate how lidar-based monitoring could dramatically improve our understanding of malaria vector ecology and control options.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

CK and MB are co-founders and shareholders but not employees of FaunaPhotonics, and per written agreement FaunaPhotonics had no influence on the scientific reporting. MB is an employee of Norsk Elektro Optikk, which is a non-profit company owned by a foundation with the aim to support optics and art in Norway. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.