Characterization of mosquito larval habitats and larval abundance in Banambani: a Sudanian savanna area of Mali

Background The objective of this study was to characterize the different larval sites of mosquito vector of diseases with regard to physical and biological features in order to identify the ecological parameters that potentially modulate diseases transmission. Results This study was carried out from two rainy seasons, including September to December 2022 and from July to December 2023. We investigated larval habitat preferences of Anopheles and Culex spp. mosquitoes across 20 sites, comprising rock holes (80%), man-made pools (15%), and puddles (5%). We found that rock holes hosted the highest density of Anopheles larvae (70%), while Culex spp. were more prevalent in man-made pools (53.1%). Environmental factors, including water clarity, surface area, and pH, significantly influenced larval distributions. Anopheles larvae preferred slightly clear water, smaller surface areas (< 5 m 2 ), and neutral to alkaline pH habitats, while Culex spp. densities increased in turbid water, larger surface areas (≥ 5 m 2 ), and habitats with acidic pH (< 7). Habitat permanence and vegetation presence were key determinants for Culex spp. , but less influential for Anopheles . In addition, predator presence and temperature had no statistically significant impact on larval densities. Conclusions The findings highlight ecological nuances in mosquito larval habitat preferences, informing vector control strategies.