Explain how the reproductive strategies of mosquitoes and elephants help them overcome the natural threats of their environments.
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Mosquitoes represent the major arthropod vectors of human disease worldwide transmitting malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses such as dengue virus and Zika virus. Unfortunately, no treatment (in the form of vaccines or drugs) is available for most of these diseases and vector control is still the main form of prevention. The limitations of traditional insecticide-based strategies, particularly the development of insecticide resistance, have resulted in significant efforts to develop alternative eco-friendly methods. Biocontrol strategies aim to be sustainable and target a range of different mosquito species to reduce the current reliance on insecticide-based mosquito control. In this review, we outline non-insecticide based strategies that have been implemented or are currently being tested. We also highlight the use of mosquito behavioural knowledge that can be exploited for control strategies.
Keywords: mosquito-borne diseases, arboviruses, boosted SIT (Sterile Insect Technique), copepods, larvivorous fishes, sex pheromones, sterile insect technique, sound traps, swarm manipulation, Wolbachia bacteria