The Tabanidae of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Abstract

Seventy species of Tabanids occur in the Sudan. Many of the inhabitants are pastoralists, and the Tabanids have a profound effect on them, largely by causing them to remove their animals from infested areas in the rains and to undertake extensive annual migrations. New problems will arise when economic development involves permanent settlement of certain infested areas. This paper sets out the problem, and satisfactory control measures have yet to be devised.The country is briefly described.The section on individual species consists mainly of lists of localities which are shown on maps.In a general discussion of distribution faunal areas are designated for discussing Tabanids in the Sudan. The composition of the Tabanid fauna, which is mainly Ethiopian, is described. Types of habitat are indicated, and distribution is discussed in relation to systematic position. The area in which Tabanids are abundant, and their seasonal prevalence, are indicated.There are brief references to habits, particularly the attraction to inanimate objects and the fact that some species bite man on some occasions and not others.The economic effect, namely, the direct effect of bites and probable role of the flies in the transmission of cattle and camel trypanosomiasis and human loiasis, are described, mainly from published sources.The effect of Tabanids on the distribution and annual migrations of pastoral tribes is described. Attacks by flies on domestic animals and the search for pasture and water are the main causes of the very extensive rainy season migrations which are shown on a map.The problem of control is very briefly discussed.Additional information on some of the foregoing subjects is given in notes on faunal areas.