Diversity and Ecological Aspects of Hard Ticks (Ixodoidae) in Dry Evergreen Forest at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

            This study was carried out at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station at Nakhonratchasima, Province during March 2012 to January 2013. The objectives were to know diversity, evenness, abundance, density and some factors of the hard ticks. Thirty sampling plots of 5×5 m² in dry evergreen forest were established. The hard tick were collected in plot of 5×5 m² plot  by dragging search (dragged across  the surface of vegetation using a 1 m² square pieces of roughly textured fabric such as flannel and checking the flannel for the pressene of caught tick every 5 s while walking slowly of each plots.) every two months.

            The results showed that a total 1,601 individuals of the hard ticks in this area consisted of 5 genera, incleding Haeamaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, Ixodes and Amblyomma. The larval stage was identified 4 genus from 1,551 individuals whereas 5 genus (50 individuals) in the nymph stage and 1 genus in the adult stage. Rhipicephalus had the highest density, and accounted for 0.2424 individual/m², and followed by Dermacentor (0.1077) and Haemaphysalis (0.0443), resrectively. There were similar in density between the dry and rainy seasons. Air temperature clearly affected the occurrence of Dermacentor whereas Ixodes and Rhipicephalus  were clearly depended on soil temperature.

            This study will lead to support the essential database of veterinarians and doctors. In addition, it still leads to solve the problems carried by hard ticks for tourisms or ordinary people.

Keywords: diversity, ecology, hard tick, dry evergreen, Sakaerat Environmental Research Station