title: Population dynamics of Australorbis glabratus in Puerto Rico.
abstract: This report on the population dynamics of Australorbis glabratus in Puerto Rico is based on observations made over about two years at 50 collecting-sites in a representative range of snail habitats. In some places a marked predominance of Tropicorbis was noted. No continuous or seasonal propagation of Australorbis was apparent. Dense populations seldom prevailed for more than a few months, and in most places very low population levels occurred at irregular intervals, and colony decimations were fairly common. A variety of pressures is exerted on Australorbis in Puerto Rico by a multiplicity of natural factors; detailed knowledge of this snail's natural history in the field is necessary for effective bilharziasis control and for a full understanding of the regional epidemiology of this disease.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001700:Biomphalaria; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011647:Puerto Rico; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000635:transmission*; D012908:Snails
keywords: SCHISTOSOMIASIS/transmission; SNAILS