Modelling the distribution of the tick Ixodes ricinus in England and Wales using passive ...

This research article examines environmental factors that influence the distribution and presence of Ixodes ricinus ticks across England and Wales using comprehensive ecological data analysis.

Researchers compiled diverse environmental predictor variables from publicly available datasets to understand tick habitat preferences. The study recognizes that while individual ticks have limited mobility, they can thrive in various habitats through host animal dispersal, including woodland, grassland, and urban parks. Multiple environmental factors work together in complex ways to determine tick establishment and population success in different locations.

• Climate data including temperature ranges, humidity, rainfall, and frost conditions were analyzed as key predictors of tick survival
• Land cover types, soil characteristics, and geological features were mapped to identify high-risk environments for tick presence
• Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurements and host animal densities (deer, cattle, sheep, pigs) were incorporated as critical habitat indicators
• All environmental data was processed at 1km resolution with correlation analysis to reduce redundancy between variables