Biodiversity of tabanids and stomoxys flies at two livestock research stations in Cameroon (Wakwa and Lougguéré)

African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) remains a major constraint to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, with mechanical transmission by tabanids and stomoxyine flies playing an increasingly recognised role. Despite the epidemiological importance of these vectors, comprehensive data on their biodiversity and seasonal dynamics at livestock production sites in Cameroon remain limited. This study assessed the biodiversity, seasonal abundance, and environmental factors influencing tabanid and stomoxyine fly populations at two livestock research stations in Cameroon. A longitudinal entomological survey was conducted from February to November 2021 at the Wakwa Zootechnical Station (Adamawa region) and the Lougguéré Zootechnical Station (North region) using a standardised array of Nzi, Vavoua, and biconical traps. Captured flies were identified morphologically using standard identification keys. Apparent density per trap per day (ADT) was calculated, and Margalef’s diversity index was used to assess species diversity. Negative binomial regression models were employed to identify abiotic factors influencing vector abundance, with model selection based on Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Pearson dispersion ratios. A total of 1,481 hematophagous dipterans were captured, comprising 1,272 stable flies (Stomoxyinae) and 209 tabanids (Tabanidae). Tabanid species richness was substantially higher at Lougguéré (10 species) than at Wakwa (4 species), whereas stable fly species richness was identical across both sampling locations (3 species per station). Stomoxys niger niger was the most abundant stable fly (893 specimens), while Atylotus albipalpus dominated tabanid captures at Lougguéré (66 specimens). The genera Atylotus , Chrysops , and Haematopota were absent from Wakwa. Apparent density was consistently higher during the rainy season at both stations. Negative binomial regression revealed that locality was the only significant predictor of tabanid abundance (Wakwa lower than Lougguéré) (IRR = 0.044, p = 0.0007), while temperature (IRR = 5.766, p < 0.001) and season (dry season IRR = 0.186, p = 0.045) were the primary drivers of stable fly abundance. Humidity approached significance for stable flies (IRR = 2.832; p = 0.054). The negative binomial models substantially outperformed Poisson models, with Pearson dispersion ratios of 4.75 and 48.30 for tabanids and stable flies, respectively. This study provides the first comprehensive baseline data on the biodiversity and seasonal dynamics of mechanical vectors at two livestock research stations in Cameroon. The contrasting patterns of tabanid and stable fly abundance, driven by locality versus temperature and season, respectively, highlight the need for vector-group-specific risk assessments and tailored control strategies. The presence of confirmed mechanical vector species ( Atylotus agrestis and A . fuscipes ) at Lougguéré underscores the potential for mechanical transmission of trypanosomes in this region. These findings provide essential baseline data for developing targeted surveillance and integrated vector management programmes to mitigate the risk of mechanical transmission of African Animal Trypanosomiasis in Cameroonian livestock production systems.