Current considerations on the distribution of Glossina in west and central Africa.

Tsetse distribution maps are a useful tool for both research workers studying trypanosomiasis and animal and human health authorities. They enable the potential vectors in the country to be identified and provide rapid information about their geographic distribution. Considerable work is involved in drawing up these maps, including the compilation of publications, unpublished reports and often the examination of entomological collections. These maps however require frequent up-dating. Ford and Katondo revised their first edition of tsetse distribution maps (1971, 1973) in 1975 and 1977. These maps were revised again by Katondo (1984) and subsequently by Moloo (1985). The revision by Moloo notably included the presence of Glossina nashi Potts 1955 in Gabon, where recent captures have been simultaneously recorded by Itard et al. (1984) and Leack and Jannin (1984). Until now this species had been recorded in Gabon by the observation of a single specimen only, reported by Machado (1959). The publication by Moloo (1985) includes clear synoptic tables and represents a significant event in that it is the most recent revision. We would like to contribute by up-dating records and also clarify some points which, in our opinion, raise difficulties. Recently, Gouteux et al. (1987) reported the discovery of G. calliginea in the Congo and the new species G. frezili, occurring in the Congo and Gabon (Gouteux, 1987). The presence of G . medicorum in Zaïre and the Central African Republic should be investigated. Indeed, in a recent review, Makumyaviri (1986) did not mention this species in Zaïre, nor did Finelle et al. (1963) in the Central African Republic. The presence of G. medicorum in Gabon, recorded originally by Maillot (1956, 1961), refers in fact to G. frezili (Gouteux, 1987). On the other hand, Moloo (1985) did not record G. medicorum in Togo or Guinea (Conakry) although it had been reported in Togo by Rickenbach (1961) and in Guinea by Maillot (1961). The presence of G . calliginea in Ghana and the Central African Republic should, according to