An annotated checklist of mites (Arachnida: Acari) of Zambia

Abstract

Published literature on the mites of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) is scanty and fragmentary. As a baseline for further work to enhance knowledge of this fauna, an annotated list of the taxa reported to date is presented. Data for 90 species or incompletely identified species (representing four orders, 42 families and 57 genera) are given. The mites originated from vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, bat guano, house dust and freshwater habitats. Seventeen species are either introduced predators that have evidently not established or are concluded to be incorrect records. A host/habitat–mite checklist is also provided.

Sarcoptes mite epidemiology and treatment in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) calves captured for translocation from the Kafue game management area to game ranches

“…In domestic animals the disease has been reported in cattle, goats and pigs [16]. It has not been reported from the African buffalo and no comprehensive study has been carried out describing the clinical findings in wildlife in Zambia.…”

“…It is not known how Sarcoptes scabiei was introduced in buffalo herds in the Kafue GMA although the disease has been present in domestic animals in the area [16]. Studies have shown that the transmission of mange was density dependant being more prevalent during times of higher environmental stress such as drought [27,28].…”

“…In Zambia, sarcoptic mange has been reported in sitatunga ( Tragelaphus spekii ), hartebeest ( Alcephelus lichtensteini ) and silver-backed-jackal ( Canis mesomelas ) in wildlife [ 16 ]. In domestic animals the disease has been reported in cattle, goats and pigs [ 16 ]. It has not been reported from the African buffalo and no comprehensive study has been carried out describing the clinical findings in wildlife in Zambia.…”

“…Fain et al [ 26 ] postulated that Sarcoptes mange originated as a human parasite that spread to domestic animals and subsequently transmitted to various wildlife species by contact with their domestic counterparts. It is not known how Sarcoptes scabiei was introduced in buffalo herds in the Kafue GMA although the disease has been present in domestic animals in the area [ 16 ]. Studies have shown that the transmission of mange was density dependant being more prevalent during times of higher environmental stress such as drought [ 27 , 28 ].…”

“…Although the disease affects various wildlife species [ 15 , 15 ], there are few reports describing its epidemiology in African game. In Zambia, it has been reported in humans and domestic animals with limited reports on wildlife [ 16 ].…”