Update on the distribution of tsetse flies in Mali

Abstract

The area of tsetse fly infestation in Mali is approximately 200,000 km², South of parallel 14°30’N and West of meridian 4°30’ W. Four species have been reported: two riverine (Glossina palpalis gambiensis and G. tachinoides)and two Savannah species (G. morsitans submorsitans and G. longipalpis). G. morsitans submorsitans has a more or less continuous distribution along the borders with Côte d’ivoire,Guinea and Senegal up to the northern limit of the National Park Boucle du Baoulé. A low population density, apparently discontinuous in forest zones, has been encountered East of Bamako, in forest zones. G. palpalis gambiensis waslocalized along the Bani River, the Niger River and its tributaries, as well as tributaries of the Senegal River (Baoulé, Bafing and Bagoé). G. tachinoides was present in most of the riverine forest galleries in the South-Eastern part of the country. The presence in Mali of G. longipalpis was not confirmed during this survey. A relatively important decrease in the distribution zones of tsetse flies has been observed in Mali following several years of drought and/or an intensive deforestation.