Zoological survey of the Union of South Africa : Tick survey. Part II. Distribution of Boophilus (Palpoboophilus) decoloratus, the blue tick

Abstract

1. The distribution of B. decoloratus has been given in terms of political divisions as well as in terms of vegetational coverage. 2. The factor playing the most important role in limiting the spread of B. decoloratus is seen to be increasing aridity. In most parts of the Union the critical level is represented by an annual rainfall of 15 in. 3. It is concluded that where farming conditions are favourable the tick can be controlled by dipping. 4. From the nature of the data available one is perhaps not justified in drawing any definite conclusions as to the distribution of the arsenic-resistant strain; one can but draw attention to the fact that it apparently occurs on scattered farms throughout the tall grassland areas extending as far north as Swaziland.