The influence of game animals on the distribution and feeding habits of glossina pallidipes in the Lambwe Valley

Abstract

The role of game animals as important hosts of some species of tsetse, including Glossina pallidipes, has been studied in detail in the Lambwe Valley area of Kenya. A large population of G. pallidipes existed in association with a varied community of game animals in the study area, and the investigation was designed to determine which of the hosts available to G. pallidipes were actively selected and whether the preferred hosts influenced the distribution of the tsetse population. Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) was found to be the preferred host of G. pallidipes and there was a positive correlation between the distribution of these two species. Buffalo and roan antelope were also selected for food but, because of their behavioural characteristics, neither was continually available to the tsetse population and they had no influence on its distribution.