Diversity of Forensic Insects in Three West Coast Locations of The Gambia

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.