Development of the first georeferenced map of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. in Mexico from 1970 to date and prediction of its spatial distribution

Abstract

The tick genus Ripicephalus (Boophilus), particularly R. microplus, is one of the most important ectoparasites that affects livestock health and considered an epidemiological risk because it causes significant economic losses due, mainly, to restrictions in the export of infested animals to several countries. Its spatial distribution has been tied to environmental factors, mainly warm temperatures and high relative humidity. In this work, we integrated a dataset consisting of 5843 records of Rhipicephalus spp., in Mexico covering close to 50 years to know which environmental variables mostly influence this ticks' distribution. Occurrences were georeferenced using the software DIVA-GIS and the potential current distribution was modelled using the maximum entropy method (Maxent). The algorithm generated a map of high predictive capability (Area under the curve = 0.942), providing the various contribution and permutation importance of the tested variables. Precipitation seasonality, particularly in March, and isothermality were found to be the most significant climate variables in determining the probability of spatial distribution of Rhipicephalus spp. in Mexico (15.7%, 36.0% and 11.1%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that Rhipicephalus has colonized Mexico widely, including areas characterized by different types of climate. We conclude that the Maxent distribution model using Rhipicephalus records and a set of environmental variables can predict the extent of the tick range in this country, information that should support the development of integrated control strategies.

Goitered Gazelle’s (Gazella Subgutturosa) Habitat Desirability Modeling by Using Maximum Entropy (Maxent) Method

“…Values close to 1 means better performance (Phillips et al 2006; Yuan et al ., 2015; Ghanbarian et al., 2019; Wan et al ., 2019; Huercha et al ., 2020; Kamyo & Asanok, 2020). Values of ROC are described as an excellent model between 0.9 and 1, good between 0.8 and 0.9, fair between 0.7 and 0.8, and poor below 0.7 (Alcala-Canto et al 2018; Preau et al ., 2018; Evcin et al ., 2019; Huercha et al ., 2020; Ito et al ., 2020). In this model, the area below the curve for the Goitered gazelle species was 0.990, with a standard deviation of 0.001, which indicates the ability to detect very good performance.…”

“…MaxEnt model output is logistic, which assigned each grid cell of the study area values ranging from 0 (completely unsuitable) to 1 (fully suitable) (Signorini et al ., 2014; Alcala-Canto et al ., 2018; Huercha et al ., 2020). therefore, that if this value reaches 1, the habitat has higher desirability for the species and, conversely, reaches zero, the habitat desirability is reduced (Gormley et al ., 2011) (Figure 2).…”

“…MaxEnt model produces this data: Prediction Maps (Prediction Maps); response curve (Response Curves) with an AUC (Area Under Curve); and Jackknife's results of analysis help researchers to interpret and understand the outcomes of the MaxEnt model. MaxEnt model output is logistic, which assigned each grid cell of the study area values ranging from 0 (completely unsuitable) to 1 (fully suitable) (Signorini et al, 2014;Alcala-Canto et al, 2018;Huercha et al, 2020). therefore, that if this value reaches 1, the habitat has higher desirability for the species and, conversely, reaches zero, the habitat desirability is reduced (Gormley et al, 2011) (Figure 2).…”

Worldwide comparison between the potential distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) under climate change scenarios

“…This study showed how environmental conditions could be modified according to environmental policies, giving different approaches and possibilities of control in these vectors, especially in Latin America and some African countries where the habitable areas tend to increase from this perspective. Alcala‐Canto et al (2018) mentioned this when they made a map of potential Rhipicephalus spp. distributions specific to Mexico: “one major limitation is the lack of a specific model for R. microplus […]”.…”

Maximum Entropy Ecological Niche Prediction of the Current Potential Geographical Distribution of <i>Eimeria</i> Species of Cattle, Sheep and Goats in Mexico

“…locations have been recently georeferenced and the spatial distribution of the tick in Mexico was modeled [11] [12] [13]. Consequently, the knowledge of the bioecology of parasites, such as their habitat suitability, might support studies that increase preventive or control measures to avoid their further distribution.…”