Diversity of Forensic Insects in Three West Coast Locations of The Gambia
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Abstract
This study examined forensic insect diversity across three Gambian communities representing urbanization gradients: Brikama (urban), Gunjur (semi-urban), and Faraba (rural). Using RESCUE POP Fly Traps baited with rotten beef, dipterans were collected over 24-hour periods and identified morphologically. Seven species were documented, with Chrysomya albiceps dominating all sites. Brikama showed highest diversity (6 species; Simpson's D=0.622, Shannon H=1.162), Gunjur the lowest (D=0.213, H=0.369), and Faraba intermediate values (D=0.476, H=0.669). Similarity indices (Sørensen, Bray-Curtis) indicated moderate overlap between Brikama-Gunjur but lower Brikama-Faraba similarity. Calliphoridae was the predominant family. Results demonstrate that urbanization and habitat type significantly influence forensic insect communities, highlighting the necessity of location-specific data for accurate post-mortem interval estimation. This work provides foundational entomological data for The Gambia’s forensic investigations, though broader geographical sampling is recommended to fully characterize the country’s forensic insect biodiversity.
Keywords
forensic sciences, entomology, insect diversity, species richness, urbanization
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