Species Composition and Diurnal Activity Rhythm of Tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) at the Ivindo National Park and Its Environs

A study conducted at Ivindo National Park (INP) and surrounding areas revealed significant differences in tabanid species composition and diurnal activity between secondary forest and anthropized environments. Tabanids, particularly those of the genus Tabanus, were more abundant in the forest (7.12 per trap/day) compared to village-town sites (0.77 per trap/day), with a peak activity period between 12-14H in INP and 14-16H in anthropized areas, dominated by females. Eleven species of Tabanus were recorded at INP, with T. taeniola being the most prevalent (57.76%), alongside two species of Chrysops and one of Haematopota, which were exclusively found in the park. In contrast, village-town sites hosted five Tabanus species, with T. ricardae dominating (73.91%). The study highlights the ecological differences in tabanid populations between protected and human-altered landscapes.

Joseph-Marie, A. O., Lendzele, S. S., Roland, Z. K. C., Franck, M., Aubin, K. A., Mintsa, R., Lydie, A.-Y. G., Bertrand, M., & Mavoungou, J. F. (2019). Species Composition and Diurnal Activity Rhythm of Tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) at the Ivindo National Park and Its Environs. Asian Journal of Research in Zoology, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajriz/2019/v2i230062