Here we present the remote sensing and GIS research within the ARS Screwworm Research Unit. The objectives of the remote sensing program are to develop methods to predict screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) distributions and strategies for monitoring the present barrier zone, an area east of the Panamá Canal to the border of Panamá and Columbia. This research directly benefits the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Screwworm Eradication Program. The Screwworm Eradication Program uses a method of sterile male releases to control populations of the screwworm fly, an economically important pest to domestic cattle. Such biological control effectively leads to the extinction of native screwworm populations. The USDA ARS research unit has developed methods to identify preferred screwworm habitats in a tropical landscape using a combination of field data and satellite imagery. These methods are based on data collected in the Panamá Canal Area, Republic of Panamá. We feel the results will be applicable to most tropical habitats in Central America and to parts of South America. The results of this study will be incorporated into a GIS model for Central America to predict local screwworm population densities in case of reinfestation. The ability to identify screwworm fly habitats and map these distributions with satellite imagery will greatly increase the efficiency of the Screwworm Eradication Program.
Species 1: Diptera Calliphoridae Cochliomyia hominivorax (primary screwworm, New World screwworm)
Keywords: habitat preference, remote sensing
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