Potential geographic distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato in Tunisia: review and modelling

Abstract

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (R. sanguineus s.l.) is an important group of ticks that infest a large panel of animals’ species and are vectors of multiple pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. As the biology of ticks is driven by abiotic factors, mainly temperature and humidity, climate changes are incriminated in increasing ticks and tick-borne pathogens incidence. The aim of this study was to map the current potential geographic distribution of R. sanguineus s.l. in Tunisia to help anticipating control measures to prevent tick-borne pathogens transmitted by these ticks. Extracted R. sanguineus s.l. occurrence records from the literature and a field survey across Tunisia were combined with environmental predictors using the maximum-entropy (MaxEnt) approach. The higher habitat suitability is expected for R. sanguineus s.l. along the coasts of Tunisia than in the Mapping Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. in Tunisia 2 This is a provisional file, not the final typeset article internal regions, in particular in the north-east and the north-west of the country. Nevertheless, suitability reaches the lowest level in the plateau of Kasserine district, center west. The probability of R. sanguineus s.l. occurrence is positively correlated to the mean temperature of the coldest quarter and the mean specific humidity of the least humid quarter. The Mediterranean climate which is prevalent in north and coastal Tunisian regions is favorable to R. sanguineus s.l. occurrence, while the harsh conditions of the southern and the central-west region is unfavorable for the presence of this tick. Getting a detailed view of R. sanguineus s.l. potential distribution is of paramount importance for public health and veterinary decision makers to implement adequate control measures in the present.