Energy Resources of Australia Ranger Mine, Kakadu National Park, investigation of mosquito breeding sites and management recommendations

Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) Ranger Mine is located in Kakadu National Park, adjacent to several arms of the Magela Creek and within flight range of mosquitoes from the extensive Magela Swamp. Weekly routine adult mosquito trapping in and adjacent to the nearby town of Jabiru consistently reveals very high numbers of pest and disease carrying mosquito species, generally in the post wet season and dry season months of April to August, and during a short period of a few weeks in the mid wet season. Low to moderate numbers of pest and disease carrying mosquito species are also encountered during most other months of the year. The presence of extended periods of high mosquito numbers translates to a significant potential for mosquito borne disease transmission in the Jabiru locality.The following report presents the results of brief field investigations in September and December 2005, a critical review of the nature and extent of natural mosquito breeding sites likely to affect Ranger Mine, outlines potential breeding sites at the mine site, outlines the adult mosquito and ovitrap program, and provides recommendations on how to manage potential mosquito issues at the mine site.Energy Resources of Australia Pty Ltd.Date:2006-0