## 4 Conclusions  
In conclusion, based on the data collected with the host method, the tick species distribution in the region of Istria reveals the predominant presence of _Ixodes ricinus_, _Rhipicephalus sanguineus_, and _Hyalomma marginatum_. A similar distribution of tick species was obtained using the flagging/dragging method. These findings indicate a significant prevalence of these three tick species within the region of Istria. The consistency of these results across different sampling methods, including the dragging flagging method, suggests that the relative abundance of these tick species remains stable in the area. These results are valuable for researchers and public health authorities as they work towards understanding the local tick ecology and the associated risks of tick-borne diseases. During this study, we encountered the following limitations and challenges: sampling biases, tick behaviour, variation in tick life stages, influence of hosts, and others. By acknowledging and addressing these limitations, this study's results can contribute to a better understanding of tick spatial distribution. Continuous monitoring and appropriate preventive measures are crucial to manage the risks posed by these tick species. Awareness campaigns, targeted interventions, and personal protective measures can help mitigate the transmission of tick-borne diseases. Additionally, ongoing research and surveillance efforts are necessary to monitor any changes in tick populations and their associated pathogens in this region. The data collected within this study and presented via GIS remain a powerful tool for analysing and understanding the spatial distribution of ticks in the region of Istria. Statistical analysis and spatial distribution can help in the visualization, integration, and analysis of various datasets, aid in the identification of high-risk areas, and inform effective tick control and disease prevention measures.  
M.C.: investigation, conceptualization, writing, and original draft preparation; D.B.: conceptualization, writing, data curation, software, and editing; D.P.: investigation and visualization; B.B.: formal GIS analysis; I.K.: validation and formal analysis; E.P.: methodology, validation, and formal analysis. N.L.: investigation, methodology, conceptualization, and supervision; A.S. funding and supervision; M.O.B.: writing, reviewing, and supervision; D.T.L.: conceptualization, writing, reviewing, editing, and supervision. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This study was supported by a grant from the University of Rijeka, Croatia (grant no. Uniri-biomed-18-155-1304), and was conducted as an investigation for the purpose of obtaining a doctoral dissertation.  
This work did not require institutional ethical review or approval.  
**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.  
**Data Availability Statement:** Raw data were generated at the Teaching Institute of Public Health of Istiria County. Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (DTL) on request. We agree with the full transparency of the data if needed. For raw data related to this article, please contact [PERSON] at [EMAIL_ADDRESS].  
**Acknowledgments:** The authors would like to thank the staff of the Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istiria, Croatia, for their help in sampling and laboratory analysis.  
**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.