Gazalina is a genus of processionary moths found in Nepal and other Asian countries which remains understudied in terms of ecology, life stages and host plant interactions. This study aimed to explore species distribution, potential host and ecological characteristics. It used a mixed approach including museum collections, GBIF, opportunistic field survey in different location of Nepal to document adult records, larvae and host plant associations. Gazalina chrysolopha has the highest prevalence, showing significant variations of moth emergence time, with peaks in May, July and September. It showed higher occurrence above 2000 m of elevation. These patterns show apparent phenological adaptations across months influenced by elevation, host and climate. Their absence in colder months and low occurrence in region lower than 2000 m indicates climatic and environmental limitation. Additionally, spatial geographic overlap between Gazalina occurrence with the one of an emerging human disease called Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) underscores that the evidenced species contributed to diseases cases followed after peak months of emergence. These findings shed lights into the ecological and public health concerns associated to genus Gazalina and underscores immediate implication to prioritize control and management strategies in mitigating human exposure to SHAPU risks. This study further recommends to in-depth research on taxonomy of Gazalina, elevation specific ecology, continuous life history and effective SHAPU management at local level.
Gazalina is a genus of processionary moths found in Nepal and other Asian countries which remains understudied in terms of ecology, life stages and host plant interactions. This study aimed to explore species distribution, potential host and ecological characteristics. It used a mixed approach including museum collections, GBIF, opportunistic field survey in different location of Nepal to document adult records, larvae and host plant associations. Gazalina chrysolopha has the highest prevalence, showing significant variations of moth emergence time, with peaks in May, July and September. It showed higher occurrence above 2000 m of elevation. These patterns show apparent phenological adaptations across months influenced by elevation, host and climate. Their absence in colder months and low occurrence in region lower than 2000 m indicates climatic and environmental limitation. Additionally, spatial geographic overlap between Gazalina occurrence with the one of an emerging human disease called Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) underscores that the evidenced species contributed to diseases cases followed after peak months of emergence. These findings shed lights into the ecological and public health concerns associated to genus Gazalina and underscores immediate implication to prioritize control and management strategies in mitigating human exposure to SHAPU risks. This study further recommends to in-depth research on taxonomy of Gazalina, elevation specific ecology, continuous life history and effective SHAPU management at local level.
STUDY ON DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY OF PROCESSIONARY MOTH OF THE GENUS GAZALINA IN NEPAL
POUDEL, PRABIN
2023/2024
Abstract
Gazalina is a genus of processionary moths found in Nepal and other Asian countries which remains understudied in terms of ecology, life stages and host plant interactions. This study aimed to explore species distribution, potential host and ecological characteristics. It used a mixed approach including museum collections, GBIF, opportunistic field survey in different location of Nepal to document adult records, larvae and host plant associations. Gazalina chrysolopha has the highest prevalence, showing significant variations of moth emergence time, with peaks in May, July and September. It showed higher occurrence above 2000 m of elevation. These patterns show apparent phenological adaptations across months influenced by elevation, host and climate. Their absence in colder months and low occurrence in region lower than 2000 m indicates climatic and environmental limitation. Additionally, spatial geographic overlap between Gazalina occurrence with the one of an emerging human disease called Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) underscores that the evidenced species contributed to diseases cases followed after peak months of emergence. These findings shed lights into the ecological and public health concerns associated to genus Gazalina and underscores immediate implication to prioritize control and management strategies in mitigating human exposure to SHAPU risks. This study further recommends to in-depth research on taxonomy of Gazalina, elevation specific ecology, continuous life history and effective SHAPU management at local level.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/80351