October 09, 2024 | Pest Management Science |
A study conducted by Washington State University, USA, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Brazil, and the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ghana, explored the potential global distribution of the mango stone weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) under changing climate conditions. Using the MaxEnt model, the research assessed the pest’s habitat suitability across continents, excluding Antarctica.
Results showed that thermal conditions significantly influence the weevil’s invasion risk, with current suitable habitats covering 5.67 million km² globally. However, under future climate scenarios (ssp126 and ssp585), habitat suitability is projected to decline slightly by the 2060s and 2080s, ranging from 5.62 million km² to 5.51 million km². These findings provide a crucial foundation for global risk assessment and response planning for the mango stone weevil, helping to predict its distribution under dynamic climate conditions and identify regions most vulnerable to invasion.
This study offers valuable insights for early detection and management strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of this invasive species in a warming world.