The composition and distribution of the main associations of submerged macrobenthos of Bahía Málaga (Colombian pacific coast), were studied in relation to the distribution of hard and soft substrates and some abiotic factors. Eight localities were sampled during six months: three in the external border of the estuary and five in the inner part. In total, 728 organisms were registered, belonging to 207 species, 132 genera, 86 families, and 14 orders of six invertebrate groups (Porifera, Cnidaria, Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea, and Echinodermata). The submerged bottoms presented soft and hard substrates, with rocks and thick sand in five sites, soft bottoms with fine sand in one, and soft bottoms with slime and clay in two. The temperature and salinity values were higher in the external localities, while dissolved oxygen and pH were higher in the internal localities. The localities with hard substrates presented the highest richness of species while the soft substrates, were characterized by a paucity of species and individuals. The similarity classification analyses showed two groups: one characterized by having 61 species in common and high richness with 113 exclusive species. The other group with low diversity and richness values, 37 species in common and 23 exclusive species.
Vector-borne diseases annually cause more than 700,000 deaths worldwide. In Colombia, infectious diseases are prevalent, being the Municipality of Santander de Quilichao (Cauca district) one of the most affected areas. This study aimed (a) to determine the abundance of species of mosquitoes with the potential capacity to transmit infectious diseases, in a school located in the Cauca district and (b) to teach students self-care and care for the environment to protect themselves from vector-borne diseases. During 2019 and 2020, in a dry and rainy season, manual collection of mosquitoes in four sites of the institution was conducted. Ecological statistical analyses were carried out. Mosquito species were grouped by similarity (abundance) using a dendrogram by area and a species rarefaction curve. A sociodemographic survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to vector-borne diseases was carried out. An educational booklet was developed, and its impact was validated through the nonparametric Wilcoxon test. In total, 108 specimens were captured from four species: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Psorophora ferox. The greater presence of mosquitos was during the rainy season, being Aedes aegypti the most abundant species. According to Likert's analysis, 59.6% of the students had a very favorable attitude toward the subject; the educational campaign significantly improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the students. Finally, the study presents entomological data of interest in public health. That makes it possible to establish prevention and control measures for vector-borne diseases in high schools, through environmental education.
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