Characterisation of <i>Anopheles</i> Larval Habitats in Eastern Morocco

Abstract

Integrated physicochemical and entomological monitoring was conducted across 11 stations in the Eastern Rif, Morocco, to identify environmental factors influencing Anopheles larval distribution. Five species were identified: Anopheles sergentii, An. labranchiae, An. multicolor, An. claviger, and An. algeriensis. Principal Component Analysis explained 63.28% of total variance and revealed that larval niche partitioning was primarily dictated by two ecological gradients: a mineralisation-altitude axis (pH, Ca2+, conductivity) and an organic load axis (BOD5, PO43⁻, dissolved oxygen). Maximum species richness occurred at mid-altitude sites, and larval proliferation was synchronised with the thermophilic window (May–September). These results provide a robust ecological framework for evidence-based surveillance and targeted vector control in the Mediterranean basin.