Microhabitats shape ant community structure in a spatially heterogeneous grassy woodland

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Habitat structure is a key determinant of local animal diversity, with attributes vegetation such as cover or complexity generating resources for different species. However, habitat–diversity relationships can vary across spatial scales, and among taxa ecosystem types. Here we report on study habitat its effects ant communities at two scales in temperate grassy woodland characterized by heterogenous tree grassland cover. We examined species richness the occurrence ground‐dwelling (1) microhabitat defined triplet sites comprising open ground, adjacent to log, under tree, each separated few meters, (2) macrohabitat grouped into broader types low high levels shrub 100s meters. identified 117 from 41 genera, total 155,004 individuals collected. Ant community composition differed significantly microhabitats macrohabitats, but mean only scale where it was highest trees lower logs ground. Notably, within genera Iridomyrmex , Monomorium Pheidole displayed spectrum preferences, highlighting ecological flexibility these groups. By contrast, all Melophorus preferred Camponotus trees. Our shows that woodlands are structured “openness” most strongly “microhabitat” which likely due distinct combination thermal foraging relatively small distances. results also suggest broad classifications ants functional based preference may not be applicable same genus display contrasting preferences. Land management promotes heterogeneity promote coexistence benefit diversity more than activities focusing larger ecosystem.

Language: Английский

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Prioritizing fire management goals in a biodiversity hotspot

Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Butterfly community composition within a tropical urban landscape is influenced by habitat type and temperature

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 324 - 333

Published: Dec. 12, 2023

Abstract The specific factors that influence spatial community or population dynamics are often elusive, and even less known is the impact of tropical urban landscapes on diverse species assemblages. To address this knowledge gap, we used a survey data set with 510 fruit‐feeding butterflies comprising 20 across two heterogeneous habitats within city in Nigeria. Next, constructed generalised linear mixed models to understand differential responses butterfly changes environmental conditions habitats. Butterfly assemblages significantly differed between habitats, higher savannah woodland compared gallery forest due optimal daily temperatures woodland. However, richness was lower extreme conditions. This study highlights possibly responding local microclimates heterogeneity For evidence‐based conservation management biodiversity, there would be need for long‐term, extensive systematic insect monitoring programme disturbed undisturbed fragmented harbouring species.

Language: Английский

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Macroecological patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity vary between ground and arboreal assemblages in Neotropical savanna ants

Ecography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(8)

Published: June 4, 2024

Macroscale environmental gradients can have contrasting effects on organisms that occupy different vertical niches, but we little understanding of how this might result in macroscale diversity patterns ground and arboreal communities. We also dimensions diversity, such as functional phylogenetic vary along gradients. Here examine latitudinal elevational for both assemblages Neotropical savanna ants. The study was based ant species occurring at 32 sites covering a 22° range latitude > 1000 m elevation Brazil. Functional richness were positively correlated with richness, all increasing latitude. However, the greater than trees did not simply reflect differences richness. mean divergence among trees, indicating stronger role competition. Both showed negative correlations ground. In standardized effect size (taking into account richness) negatively related to elevation. These findings suggest temperature decreases relative importance filtering communities increases (and competition niche partitioning decreases). Overall, show macroecological previously been reported Brazilian savannas do adequately represent other representativeness differs between strata. Macroecological indicate

Language: Английский

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Temporal and trophic niche partitioning among arboreal ants in a Neotropical woodland savanna

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 19, 2024

Abstract Niche partitioning is a key mechanism for explaining species coexistence, including the coexistence of ants in trees Brazilian savanna ( cerrado ). However, we have limited information on extent to which arboreal ant exploit different food resources and/or daily foraging schedules. We tested these ideas through baiting experiment, and by measuring isotopic signature (δ 15 N) critical thermal maximum (CT max ) 14 most common found typical tree species. Although foraged all bait types offered, species‐specific preferences were noted about one‐third also wide variation mean δ N between species, reflecting interspecific differences trophic position. Most (71.4%) predominantly given period day, ranging from strictly nocturnal those that mainly afternoon. Species with higher heat tolerance (higher CT often at warmer periods day than lower tolerance. Despite evidence temporal niche partitioning, other mechanisms, such as nesting site specialization behavioural trade‐offs, are required explain this assemblage, several pairs largely overlapped both their diet time foraging. Importantly, our results provide additional support idea physiological restriction high temperatures important understanding activity

Language: Английский

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Tree cover and palm population structure determine patterns of palm-pollinator interaction networks in a grassland-forest ecotone

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 96(4)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Pollen dispersal by insects determines the patterns of reproductive encounters between plants with flowers that have spatially or temporally segregated sexes. Pollinators exhibit varied responses to environmental gradients, such as those in grassland-forest ecotones. Individual-based interaction networks are useful yet underexplored tools understand how interactions vary across these gradients. To test a ecotone gradient affects interactions, we studied pollination Butia odorata individuals, key palm tree species threatened South American grassland ecosystem. We assessed, through Structural Equation Models (SEMs), network metrics (specialization and modularity) pollinator richness abundance (total, peripheral, core) respond gradients habitat population structure ecotone. Networks more isolated palms showed greater specialization modularity. Pollinator was dependent on context role. The peripheral pollinators were negatively affected density. core positively cover, which, turn, associated density proximity forest. Our results suggest can modulate presence pollinators, while increased cover matrix promote diversity decreasing dominance species.

Language: Английский

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An enemy's enemy is an ally: Competitive indirect interactions mediate coexistence of trees, grasses, and subshrubs in neotropical savanna

Biotropica, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 19, 2024

Abstract Savannas are complex ecosystems where multiple growth forms, including grasses, trees, and subshrubs, coexist through intricate ecological interactions. Understanding the mechanisms that promote this coexistence is key to conserving savanna biodiversity. This study investigated effects of grass competition on survival trees as well interactions between these two forms. Using three species we conducted a greenhouse experiment assess how subshrubs influenced by presence grass. We found significantly reduced tree seedlings, while were unaffected. When competed directly, subshrub biomass was reduced, but only in absence Tree seedling not affected negatively impacted subshrubs. Both root stem competition; however, effect mitigated when simultaneously. These results indicate compete together, intensity promoting contributing balance forms ecosystems. While fire an important factor dynamics, our emphasizes critical role maintaining balance. Future studies should explore interact further understanding biodiversity ecosystem function Neotropical savannas. Portuguese available with online material.

Language: Английский

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Environmental heterogeneity across habitats within a tropical urban landscape influences butterfly community compositions

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 26, 2023

Abstract Increasing urbanisation and rapid climate change are causing organisms to redistribute across environments. However, the specific factors that influence local spatial community or population dynamics often elusive, even less is known about impact of tropical urban landscapes on diverse species assemblages. In this study, we used a survey dataset with 510 fruit-feeding butterflies comprising 20 address knowledge gap. To understand butterfly in context daily environmental changes two heterogenous habitats within city Nigeria, assess abundance, richness, diversity indices along thirty-six (36) spots where were sampled spanning habitats, savannah woodland gallery forest. We constructed generalised linear models differential responses conditions habitats. Fruit-feeding butterflies’ diversity, abundance significantly differed between being higher when compared Furthermore, found richness increased due warmer temperatures. contrast, decreased forest extreme conditions. Thus, our study highlights may be shaped response microclimates heterogeneity despite more open habitat types, serving as refuge certain species.

Language: Английский

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Habitat and population structure determine patterns of plant-pollinator networks of an endangered palm tree in a grassland-forest ecotone

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 27, 2023

Abstract Pollen transport by insects determines patterns of reproductive encounters between plants with flowers that have spatially or temporally segregated sexes. Pollinators show varied responses to environmental gradients such as those found in grassland-forest ecotones. Individual-based interaction networks are useful yet underexplored tools understand how interactions vary across these gradients. Interactions plant individuals and their pollinators directly reflect on fitness genetic structure, seminal attributes for the conservation endangered species. To test a ecotone gradient can affect we studied pollination Butia odorata individuals, an extinction-threatened palm tree from remnant grove ecosystems South America. We evaluated network metrics (specialization modularity), pollinator richness respond habitat population structure ecotone. Networks more isolated trees showed greater specialization modularity. Pollinator was dependent context role: peripheral were negatively affected density, whereas core positively cover, which turn associated density proximity forest. Our results indicated increased cover grassland matrix promote diversity decreasing dominance Palm may hamper movement pollen transportation, playing key role B. ecosystems. Finally, emphasize need protocols include traditional management achieve maximizes results.

Language: Английский

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