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Techreport Reference Annual Report TURBEAMS. Contract Nr. B2/RV/21/Turbeams. Specific Call RV Belgica, Belspo
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2023
Article Reference Anopheles maculipennis Complex in The Netherlands: First Record of Anopheles daciae (Diptera: Culicidae)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2022
Article Reference Ant assemblage structure on cocoa trees in smallholder farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon
We investigated the ant community structure in cocoa farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Ants were collected on the cocoa trees during the years 2006 and 2007 using chemical knock‐down. We tested the hypothesis of the existence of deterministic factor in the structuration of ant mosaic using C‐Score; we assessed the relationship between the numerical dominant and subdominant ant species using Spearman correlation test and discussed on the influence of vegetation structure and farm management on the ant community structure. A total of 53 ant species belonging to 20 genera and five subfamilies were identified from a set of 51,525 workers collected. C‐score analysis supported the hypothesis that ant community were structured by competition. Negative relationships were found between dominant ant species. Farming practices which were mainly pruning, chemical treatment and habitat structure appeared to influence the ecological status and distribution of dominant ant species.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2019
Article Reference Ant communities in recently restored dune grassland ecosystems in Belgium (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
In the period 2000-2001 nature restoration projects drastically reshaped the Nature Reserve in Lombardsijde near the Ijzer Estuary in Flanders, Belgium. Dikes were constructed and new dune grasslands were installed. Seven years after the restoration the ant fauna of these newly created sites was compared with reference sites from foredunes, dune grasslands and grey dunes. Ants were collected with pitfall traps in 10 sample sites during 4 years. Our results showed that after 7 even 10 years of nature restoration, the ant fauna in the newly created sites still differs substantially from those of the reference sites. However, typical dune grassland ant species like Myrmica specioides, Myrmica sabuleti and Lasius psammophilus were already present at the newly created sites. Our data also suggests that it takes a longer period for characteristic dune grassland ants species to colonize and settle in these new environments than for other invertebrate groups like spiders and carabid beetles that were also collected and studied during the same project and reported before.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2017
Article Reference Ant nests effect on organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen flux in the soil under grasses tufts in Lamto savannah (Côte d’Ivoire)
Ants are known to contribute to the physical and chemical improvement of the soil. In this context, the hypothesis put forward is that ants improve the nitrogen (N) supplementation necessary to ensure the high primary production measured in the Lamto savannah. Recent investigations in the humid savannah ecosystem showed that ant nests’ association with perennial grasses enhances their growth, productivity, and microorganism activity. This study aimed at understanding the effect of ant nests on organic matter (OM), carbon (C), and N flux beneath grass tufts. Under each grass tuft chosen to carry out this study, soil samples were taken from the depths of 0–10 cm using an auger at shrubby, clear grassy, and transitional grassy savannah. The analytical method by incineration of the loss on fire was used to determine the OM amount. The Kjeldahl method was used to determine the total N amount in the soil under grass tufts. The results showed that these components’ amount is higher beneath grass tufts associated with ant nests than those not associated with ant nests. The presence of ant nests increases OM and C amount in the soil under Hyparrhenia diplandra tufts than Andropogon schirensis, and Loudetia simplex tufts. In contrast, N amount is higher under L. simplex tufts than A. schirensis; but mean under H. diplandra. The carbon/nitrogen ratios less than 10 indicate high OM mineralization under grass tufts associated with ant nests. This provides the plants with an adequate supply of nutrients
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2023
Inproceedings Reference Antibodies against arboviruses in Mastomys natalensis from Tanzania
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Article Reference Antibodies against medically relevant arthropod-borne viruses in the ubiquitous African rodent Mastomys natalensis
Author summary One of the main causes of zoonotic related human morbidity and mortality is the transmission of arthropod-borne viruses such as dengue virus, Yellow Fever virus, and chikungunya virus. These viruses cannot only infect humans but also livestock, pets, and wildlife, though our understanding of their non-human hosts remains limited. Rodents are thought to be an important host for these viruses because they can be abundant, often live near humans, and some are already known to be viral hosts. However, research has focused mostly on non-human primates, neglecting other potential wild hosts. To address this gap, we have developed a high-throughput antibody test to screen rodent blood against 15 different arboviruses. Our findings reveal that Mastomys natalensis, a common African rodent species, carries antibodies that (cross-)react against these viruses. We hypothesize that immunologically naïve juveniles may drive transmission, particularly during population outbreaks. These outbreaks coincide with environmental conditions that are favorable for mosquitoes, thus increasing the risk of spillover to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Understanding the role of rodents in arbovirus transmission dynamics is crucial for mitigating zoonotic disease risks.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2023
Inproceedings Reference Application of an 1-DV TCPBE model with Bayesian calibration to diagnose the flocculation potential in the laboratory experiments and field measurement
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2023
Inproceedings Reference Application of environmental DNA and quantitative PCR to detect the presence of four invasive crayfish species in Brussels waterbodies (Belgium)
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2024
Inproceedings Reference Application of sediment composition index to predict suspended particulate matter concentration in the North Sea
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2023