Unravelling genetic differentiation between Glossina brevipalpis populations from two distant National Parks in Mozambique

A genetic analysis of Glossina brevipalpis populations from iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Maputo National Park) and Gorongosa National Park, separated by an 840 km tsetse-free zone, reveals strong genetic differentiation with minimal gene flow between the two. The study suggests that undocumented pocket populations or human-driven animal transportation may facilitate rare exchanges of individuals. These findings highlight potential challenges for tsetse eradication efforts, emphasizing the need to assess re-invasion risks via motorized transport and explore nearby sites within a 30 km radius to ensure sustained control.

Brito, D. R. A., Ségard, A., Mulandane, F. C., Cossa, N. V., Mucache, H. N., Ravel, S., De Meeûs, T., & Neves, L. (2025). Unravelling genetic differentiation between Glossina brevipalpis populations from two distant National Parks in Mozambique. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 19(5), e0012953. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012953