Daily Current Affairs : 18-July-2023
Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue pose a significant public health challenge in many regions, including Andhra Pradesh, India. In an effort to combat these diseases, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken a unique approach by releasing approximately 10 million Gambusia fish into the state’s water bodies. The Gambusia fish, also known as mosquitofish, is widely recognized as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae. This essay discusses the use of Gambusia fish in mosquito control strategies, key details about the fish, and concerns related to their introduction into new environments.
Gambusia Fish in Mosquito Control Strategies
For over a century, Gambusia fish have been employed as part of mosquito-control strategies in various parts of the world, including India. These small fish, known scientifically as Gambusia affinis (G affinis), are native to the waters of the southeastern United States. A single full-grown Gambusia fish can consume about 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day, making them effective natural predators of mosquito populations.
Key Details about Gambusia Fish
- Origin and Natural Habitat: Gambusia affinis (G affinis) originates from the southeastern United States, where it thrives in various water bodies.
- Mosquito Larvae Predation: The fish’s remarkable ability to consume large quantities of mosquito larvae has made it a valuable asset in combating mosquito-borne diseases.
- Long History of Use: Gambusia fish have been a part of mosquito-control strategies in India since 1928, notably used in the Urban Malaria Scheme.
- Adaptability: Gambusia fish exhibit a high degree of adaptability, allowing them to survive in diverse environments, making them a globally distributed species.
Concerns Regarding Gambusia Fish Introduction
Despite their positive contributions to mosquito control, there are several concerns associated with the introduction of Gambusia fish into new ecosystems.
- Disruption of Ecosystem Balance: Studies have indicated that introducing Gambusia fish to certain water bodies may lead to an increased mosquito larvae population. This counterintuitive outcome arises because Gambusia fish may prey on other predators that typically consume mosquito larvae, leading to an ecological imbalance.
- Reduced Predatory Efficacy: In certain environmental conditions, such as running water streams, water bodies with high insecticide levels, and areas with thick vegetation, Gambusia fish may not exhibit their full predatory efficacy. This limitation can hinder their effectiveness as mosquito control agents in such environments.
- High Breeding Capacity: Gambusia fish have a high breeding capacity, which means they can rapidly reproduce and populate new areas. This rapid expansion can lead to unintended consequences, such as overcrowding and competition with native species.
- Invasive Species Status: Due to their adaptability and widespread distribution, Gambusia fish have been listed as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Several countries, including India, have also classified Gambusia as an invasive species.
- Impact on Native Species: Gambusia fish have been observed to consume the eggs of competing fish and frog tadpoles, potentially disrupting the natural balance of native aquatic species.
Important Points:
- The Andhra Pradesh government released approximately 10 million Gambusia fish into water bodies to control mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
- Gambusia fish, also known as mosquitofish, are used as a biological agent to control mosquito larvae.
- A single full-grown Gambusia fish can eat about 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day.
- Gambusia fish have been part of mosquito-control strategies in India since 1928, including in the Urban Malaria Scheme.
- They are native to the southeastern United States and have been used for mosquito control globally for over a century.
- However, concerns have been raised about their introduction:
- Studies have shown increased mosquito larvae populations in certain cases due to Gambusia preying on other predators of mosquito larvae, leading to ecological imbalances.
- Their predatory efficacy may be reduced in running water streams, water bodies with high insecticide levels, and areas with thick vegetation.
- Gambusia fish have a high breeding capacity and can survive in diverse environments, making them adaptable and widely distributed.
- Due to their adaptability, they are considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally and are listed as invasive in several countries, including India.
- They may impact native species by eating competing fish eggs and frog tadpoles.
- While Gambusia fish remain effective in mosquito control, their introduction must be carefully managed to avoid negative ecological consequences and maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Why In News
The large-scale introduction of Gambusia fish by the Andhra Pradesh government has shown promising results in curbing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. As natural predators of mosquito larvae, these 10 million Gambusia fish are contributing to a significant reduction in the mosquito population, benefiting public health across the state.
MCQs about Gambusia Fish
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What is the primary purpose of releasing Gambusia fish into Andhra Pradesh’s water bodies?
A. To promote fishing and boost local economy.
B. To control mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
C. To enhance the biodiversity of water ecosystems.
D. To study the behavior of invasive species.
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What is the primary advantage of using Gambusia fish in mosquito control strategies?
A. They can eliminate adult mosquitoes.
B. They are native to Andhra Pradesh.
C. A single fish can consume hundreds of mosquito larvae per day.
D. They are immune to insecticides.
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Which concern is associated with the introduction of Gambusia fish into new environments?
A. Decreased mosquito larvae population.
B. Enhanced ecological balance.
C. Reduced adaptability to different water bodies.
D. Disruption of native species and ecological imbalances.
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Why have Gambusia fish been listed as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature?
A. They can survive in diverse environments.
B. They have a high breeding capacity.
C. They are effective at controlling mosquito larvae.
D. They are native to the southeastern United States.
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