Dynamics of free-living ixodid ticks on a game ranch in the Central Province, Zambia

Abstract

Free-living ixodid ticks were collected at monthly intervals from January to December 1996 by dragsampling the vegetation of Mtendere Game Ranch in the Chisamba District of the Central Province, Zambia. Ticks belonging to 11 species were recovered. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was most abundant, comprising 90% of the total number collected. All life stages of this tick showed a definite seasonal pattern of activity. The adults were present mainly during the rainy season (February and March), the larvae during the cool and dry season (May to August), and the nymphs during the hot and dry season (August to October). Adults were most abundant in the wooded areas and nymphs in the open grasslands. Larvae of Amblyomma variegatum were only found from May to September, while larvae of Boophilus decoloratus were present throughout the year with peaks of abundance from January to February and again from August to November. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi larvae occurred throughout the year. Recent burning of the vegetation did not seem to affect the number of ticks collected. A possible burning regime to achieve a degree of tick control is discussed.