## 3 Results and Discussion  
_Spatial Distribution and Morphological Identification of Hart Ticks_  
The total number of ticks collected via both sampling methods is presented in Table 1.  
Furthermore, GIS mapping was used to visualize the distribution of ticks collected with the flagging/dragging method across the region of Istria (Figure 2a). With this method, a total of 1289 ticks were collected at 116 locations, while at 41 locations, ticks were not found. Data presented using GIS also allow for the integration of tick distribution with other relevant spatial datasets, such as human population density, land use, or animal host distribution. Therefore, besides the mentioned collecting method, ticks collected using the animal/human host method are presented in Figure 2b. Map representation via GIS allows for the visualization of the spatial distribution of the collected ticks. By georeferencing the sampling locations and overlaying them as tick abundance data, GIS can generate thematic maps that clearly and intuitively illustrate the distribution patterns. These visual representations enable the identification of hotspots, areas of high tick density, and spatial variations across the study area. Spatial analysis can reveal patterns and relationships between tick distribution and environmental factors such as land cover, vegetation type, climate data, or topography [17]. By using this mapping method, public health authorities and vector control agencies can focus their efforts on implementing interventions, such as targeted pesticide applications, public awareness campaigns, or habitat modifications in specific areas [22]. This integrated analysis can offer insights into the potential risk factors of tick-borne diseases and help prioritize surveillance efforts. Advances in mapping via GIS, with concluded progress in spatial and space-time modelling, also provided other investigations conducted in Iran and \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c c} \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{6}{c}{**Sampling Method**} \\ \hline  & \multicolumn{6}{c}{**Animal Host**} & \multicolumn{6}{c}{**Human Host**} & \multicolumn{2}{c}{**Flagging/Dragging Method**} \\ \hline \multicolumn{2}{c}{Domestic animals} & \multicolumn{2}{c}{Pets} & \multicolumn{2}{c}{Wild animals} & Unknown & & \\ \hline horses & 211 & dogs & 470 & wild boars & 2 & & \\ pigs & 5 & rabbits & 3 & & & \\ donkeys & 11 & & & hedgehogs & 5 & 4 & \\ goats & 7 & cats & 80 & roe deer & 25 & & \\  & & & deer & 16 & & & \\ \hline
234 & & 550 & & 51 & 4 & 90 & 1289 \\ \hline Total: 2218 & & & & & & & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Total number of ticks collected using different sampling methods in the region of Istra from 2020 to 2023. Figure 2: Distribution of ticks collected using (**a**) flagging/dragging method and (**b**) animal/human host method across the region of Istra. Colorado, USA, showing new opportunities to prevent and control emerging vector-borne diseases [23; 24]. All collected ticks were subsequently identified to the species level and categorized according to gender or developmental stage (e.g., larvae, nymphs, and adults). The determined tick species collected using the flagging/dragging method are presented in Table 2.  
Each species was identified using special identification keys, and tick samples that could not be determined to the species level were determined to the genus level. The presence of multiple tick species indicates the diversity of ticks in the study area. It is very important to mention that tick populations often consist of males and females, with potential differences in behaviour, feeding preferences, and disease transmission. Therefore, gender distribution data can help assess the relative abundance of males and females within each tick species, providing insights into the tick population dynamics [25]. Moreover, understanding gender distribution can provide insights into reproductive activity, such as the potential for tick population growth and expansion.