scholarly journals Red wood ants in Bulgaria: distribution and density related to habitat characteristics

2021 ◽  
Vol 85 ◽  
pp. 135-159
Author(s):  
Vera Antonova ◽  
Martin P. Marinov
Keyword(s):  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Red Wood Ants ◽  
Wood Ants ◽  
Current Monitoring ◽  
A Current

The only National Inventory of red wood ants in Bulgaria was carried out about 50 years ago (1970–1973). Formica rufa Linnaeus, 1761, F. pratensis Retzius, 1783, F. lugubris Zetterstedt, 1838 and F. polyctena (as F. polyctena x rufa hybrid) were found in a current monitoring programme. This study presents data on their current distribution and nest density, and provides more details about the habitat requirements for conservation purposes. Field studies were carried out by the transect method along the main mountainous areas in Bulgaria. We found 256 nests of red wood ants along 172 transects. The most abundant species was F. lugubris, followed by F. rufa and F. pratensis. Among the environmental variables, the elevation, exposure, ecological groups of plants, stone cover, grass cover, canopy cover and forest age appeared as significantly related to the presence and nest density of red wood ants.

scholarly journals Habitatselektion von zwei Waldameisenarten (Formica rufa und F. polyctena)

2019 ◽  
Vol 170 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Muriel Perron ◽  
Isabelle Glanzmann ◽  
Anne Freitag
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Forest Area ◽  
Canopy Height ◽  
Habitat Model ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Nest Density ◽  
Formica Rufa ◽  
Ant Mounds

Habitat selection of two wood ant species (Formica rufa and F. polyctena) Wood ants play an important role in the forest ecosystem, but knowledge about their spatial distribution is often outdated or scarce in Switzerland. Species-specific habitat requirements remain poorly understood, especially for the two sympatric species Formica rufa and F. polyctena, preventing the development of efficient conservation measures. Following the survey of wood ant mounds in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt of 2015/2016, we developed a predictive hierarchical habitat model to investigate the relationships between habitat characteristics (slope, canopy cover, canopy height, vertical structure, distance to forest edge, distance to forest roads, proportion of conifers, and proportion of forest area) and the nest density of F. rufa and F. polyctena. By doing so, we adjusted for imperfect detectability of our census method. Most of the habitat factors have been derived from remote-sensing data (LiDAR, false-color images). We found that the two species differ in their smallscale habitat preferences, especially regarding canopy cover, slope and distance to forest edge. Compared to F. polyctena, F. rufa has less marked habitat preferences and is relatively indifferent to canopy height, proportion of forest area and distance to forest edge. Our results are inconsistent with the claim from other studies that F. rufa occurs more frequently at forest edges than F. polyctena. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the need to take into account the detection probability for a large-scale survey of wood ant mounds.

scholarly journals Moving apart together: co-movement of a symbiont community and their ant host, and its importance for community assembly

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Parmentier ◽  
R. Claus ◽  
F. De Laender ◽  
D. Bonte
Keyword(s):  
Community Assembly ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Joint Movement ◽  
Red Wood Ants ◽  
Ant Nests ◽  
Mobile Species ◽  
Directional Movement ◽  
Wood Ants ◽  
Red Wood Ant

Abstract Background Species interactions may affect spatial dynamics when the movement of one species is determined by the presence of another one. The most direct species-dependence of dispersal is vectored, usually cross-kingdom, movement of immobile parasites, diseases or seeds by mobile animals. Joint movements of species should, however, not be vectored by definition, as even mobile species are predicted to move together when they are tightly connected in symbiont communities. Methods We studied concerted movements in a diverse and heterogeneous community of arthropods (myrmecophiles) associated with red wood ants. We questioned whether joint-movement strategies eventually determine and speed-up community succession. Results We recorded an astonishingly high number of obligate myrmecophiles outside red wood ant nests. They preferentially co-moved with the host ants as the highest densities were found in locations with the highest density of foraging red wood ants, such as along the network of ant trails. These observations suggest that myrmecophiles resort to the host to move away from the nest, and this to a much higher extent than hitherto anticipated. Interestingly, functional groups of symbionts displayed different dispersal kernels, with predatory myrmecophiles moving more frequently and further from the nest than detritivorous myrmecophiles. We discovered that myrmecophile diversity was lower in newly founded nests than in mature red wood ant nests. Most myrmecophiles, however, were able to colonize new nests fast suggesting that the heterogeneity in mobility does not affect community assembly. Conclusions We show that co-movement is not restricted to tight parasitic, or cross-kingdom interactions. Movement in social insect symbiont communities may be heterogeneous and functional group-dependent, but clearly affected by host movement. Ultimately, this co-movement leads to directional movement and allows a fast colonisation of new patches, but not in a predictable way. This study highlights the importance of spatial dynamics of local and regional networks in symbiont metacommunities, of which those of symbionts of social insects are prime examples.

Consistent differences in macroparasite community composition among populations of three-spined sticklebacks,Gasterosteus aculeatusL.

Parasitology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 139 (11) ◽  
pp. 1478-1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOB DE ROIJ ◽  
ANDREW D. C. MacCOLL
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
Parasite Community ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Parasite Communities ◽  
Geographical Distances ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Relative Differences

SUMMARYParasite ecologists are often interested in the repeatability of patterns in parasite communities in space and/or time, because of implications for the dynamics of host-parasite interactions. Field studies usually examine temporal and spatial variation in isolation or limit themselves to a small number of host populations. Here, we studied the macroparasite communities of 12 populations of three-spined stickleback,Gasterosteus aculeatusL., on North Uist, Scotland, separated by small geographical distances, during the breeding season in 2 consecutive years (2007 and 2008) to determine: (1) the extent of spatial variation in macroparasite communities, (2) whether this variation is consistent across years, and (3) whether habitat characteristics can explain differences in macroparasite community composition among populations. We found substantial variation in parasite communities among populations. Generally, measures of parasite community composition were higher in 2008 than in 2007, but this effect of year was consistent across populations, such that the relative differences in these measures among populations changed little between years. These data suggest that there is short-term stability in the spatial variation in macroparasite communities of North Uist sticklebacks. However, none of the 5 habitat characteristics measured explained spatial variation in any measure of parasite community composition.

scholarly journals FLORISTIC, STRUCTURE AND ECOLOGICAL GROUPS OF A TREE COMMUNITY IN THE ATLANTIC RAINFOREST AT SERRA DO MAR, SP, BRAZIL

Nativa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 706
Author(s):  
Vitor De Andrade Kamimura ◽  
Rodrigo Ferreira Morais ◽  
Carlos Alfredo Joly ◽  
Marco Antonio Assis
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Atlantic Rainforest ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Serra Do Mar ◽  
Palm Trees ◽  
Dispersal Syndromes ◽  
Tree Community ◽  
Euterpe Edulis

FLORÍSTICA, ESTRUTURA E GRUPOS ECOLÓGICOS DE UMA COMUNIDADE ARBÓREA NA FLORESTA ATLÂNTICA, SERRA DO MAR, SP, BRASIL Neste trabalho, avaliamos a composição florística e estrutural de uma comunidade arbórea em um contínuo da Floresta Atlântica das Terras Baixas no sudeste brasileiro, acessando a distribuição das espécies entre grupos ecológicos. Para tanto, foram amostrados todos os indivíduos arbóreos com PAP≥15 cm, incluindo palmeiras e samambaias arborescentes, em um hectare, dividido em sub-parcelas de 10x10 m. A comunidade foi analisada por meio do índice de diversidade de Shannon e equabilidade de Pielou, e distribuição de suas espécies entre síndromes de dispersão e classes sucessionais. Registramos 1.120 indivíduos vivos distribuídos em 133 espécies de 41 famílias. As famílias mais ricas em espécies foram Myrtaceae (32 espécies), Fabaceae (12) e Rubiaceae (11), e Euterpe edulis a espécie mais abundante (11,1% do total). Na área de estudo, foram encontradas quatro espécies na lista espécies ameaçadas do Livro Vermelho da Flora do Brasil, e registrada uma dominância de espécies Zoocóricas (86,7% das espécies classificadas) e Não Pioneiras (73,5%). Os resultados gerais da estrutura e composição de espécies da comunidade foram similares à de outros levantamentos realizados na mesma região deste estudo. Por fim, nossos resultados corroboram a grande diversidade arbórea e uma dominância de espécies Zoocóricas e Não-Pioneiras em contínuos de Floresta Atlântica.Palavras-chave: classe sucessional, floresta ombrófila densa, diversidade, síndrome de dispersão. ABSTRACT:The present study evaluated the floristic and structural composition of a tree community in a Lowland Atlantic Rainforest along a forest continuum in Brazilian southeast, assessing the species distribution among ecological groups. For this purpose, we sampled all trees with PBH≥15 cm, including palm trees and tree ferns, in a total area of one hectare, divided into subplots of 10x10 m. The studied community was also analyzed through the Shannon diversity index and Pielou equability, and its species distribution among dispersal syndromes and successional classes. We recorded 1,120 living individuals distributed in 131 species of 40 families. The richest families were Myrtaceae (32 species), Fabaceae (12) and Rubiaceae (11), and Euterpe edulis was the most abundant species (11.1% of the total). In the study area, there were found four species on the Livro Vermelho da Flora do Brasil and recorded a dominance of zoochoric species (86.7% of species classified) and non-pioneers (71.6%). The general results of the community structure and species composition were similar with other surveys carried out in the same region of this study. Finally, our results corroborate the great diversity of trees and a dominance of zoochoric and non-pioneer species in the Atlantic Rainforest continuous.Keywords: dispersal syndromes, diversity, ombrophilous dense forest, successional groups.

scholarly journals Resource selection by Javan Slow Loris Nycticebus javanicus E. Geoffroy, 1812 (Mammalia: Primates: Lorisidae) in a lowland fragmented forest in Central Java, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 13667-13679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfut Sodik ◽  
Satyawan Pudyatmoko ◽  
Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono ◽  
Muhammad Ali Imron
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Ratio Test ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Slow Loris ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Habitat Variables

Habitat loss and forest fragmentation have negative impacts on Javan Slow Loris Nycticebus javanicus, a Critically Endangered nocturnal primate endemic to Java.  Reports confirmed that less than 9% of forest area remains on Java Island.  One of the remaining natural habitats of the Javan Slow Loris is the fragment of Kemuning Forest in Temanggung Regency, Central Java.  The purpose of this study was to determine resource selection and habitat variables that determine the presence of Javan Slow Loris.  Habitat variables measured were basal area, tree connectivity, crown coverage on tree stage, slope, elevation, and distance to river.  Data analysis performed was logistic regression, likelihood ratio test, and Akaike’s Information Criterion with a backward elimination procedure.  We also used direct observation and interviews with locals to collect data on environment and anthropogenic features of this forest.  The results showed that the Javan Slow Loris uses resources selectively on a microhabitat scale.  The habitat factors that influence the probability of resource selection by the species are canopy cover and slope.  Habitat characteristics preferred by the Javan Slow Loris in Kemuning Forest are secondary lowland tropical rainforest with dense canopy cover located on a steep slope with low level of habitat disturbances.  Although this study uses a small sample size, the expectation is that the results can be used as preliminary information for the habitat and population management of Javan Slow Loris in Kemuning Forest to guide conservation efforts and design management strategies.

scholarly journals The habitat characteristics of Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) in the forest of Serbajadi sub-district Aceh Province

2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (1) ◽  
pp. 012055
Author(s):  
Abdullah ◽  
Supriadi ◽  
D Syafrianti ◽  
Khairil ◽  
A M Daud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Tabular Form ◽  
Aceh Province ◽  
Feeding Activities ◽  
Forest Vegetation Type

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the habitat characteristics of the Sumatran Elephant in the Serbajadi District Forest. Data collection by looking at the use of habitat which is characterized by the distribution of faeces found in various habitat units in the home range of the Sumatran Elephant. The method used is observation with a track with a size of 3,600 m which is divided into 20 observation plots with a distance between plots of 100 m. The data obtained in the field were analyzed descriptively and presented in tabular form. The results of this study indicate that the Habitat Characteristics of the Sumatran Elephant in the Serbajadi District Forest chose habitat units with very dense canopy cover (>75%), moderate feed availability (26-50%), rare mineral source trees availability (< 3 trees/plot). availability of sparse scrubbing trees (<3 trees/plot), close to primary forest (0-500 m), low land elevation (0- 400 masl), gentle slope (0-20°), close to water sources (0-250m). Secondary forest/vegetation type and frequency of habitat use based on the findings of faeces that the Sumatran elephant most frequently visited was secondary forest than primary forest because the secondary forest was for feeding activities while the primary forest was used for resting and reproduction.

scholarly journals Foraging loads of red wood ants:Formica aquilonia(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in relation to tree characteristics and stand age

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloise Gibb ◽  
Jon Andersson ◽  
Therese Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Large Diameter ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Foraging Efficiency ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Resource Quality ◽  
Red Wood Ants ◽  
Wood Ants ◽  
Colony Level

Background.Foraging efficiency is critical in determining the success of organisms and may be affected by a range of factors, including resource distance and quality. For social insects such as ants, outcomes must be considered at the level of both the individual and the colony. It is important to understand whether anthropogenic disturbances, such as forestry, affect foraging loads, independent of effects on the quality and distribution of resources. We asked if ants harvest greater loads from more distant and higher quality resources, how individual efforts scale to the colony level, and whether worker loads are affected by stand age.Methods.First, we performed a fine-scale study examining the effect of distance and resource quality (tree diameter and species) on harvesting of honeydew by red wood ants,Formica aquilonia, in terms of crop load per worker ant and numbers of workers walking up and down each tree (ant activity) (study 1). Second, we modelled what the combination of load and worker number responses meant for colony-level foraging loads. Third, at a larger scale, we asked whether the relationship between worker load and resource quality and distance depended on stand age (study 2).Results.Study 1 revealed that seventy percent of ants descending trees carried honeydew, and the percentage of workers that were honeydew harvesters was not related to tree species or diameter, but increased weakly with distance. Distance positively affected load mass in both studies 1 and 2, while diameter had weak negative effects on load. Relationships between load and distance and diameter did not differ among stands of different ages. Our model showed that colony-level loads declined much more rapidly with distance for small diameter than large diameter trees.Discussion.We suggest that a negative relationship between diameter and honeydew load detected in study 1 might be a result of crowding on large diameter trees close to nests, while the increase in honeydew load with distance may result from resource depletion close to nests. At the colony level, our model suggests that very little honeydew was harvested from more distant trees if they were small, but that more distant larger trees continued to contribute substantially to colony harvest. Although forestry alters the activity and foraging success of red wood ants, study 2 showed that it does not alter the fundamental rules determining the allocation of foraging effort.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Silver Dihydrogen Citrate and Steam Vapor against a Human Norovirus Surrogate, Feline Calicivirus, in Suspension, on Glass, and on Carpet

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Buckley ◽  
Muthu Dharmasena ◽  
Angela Fraser ◽  
Charles Pettigrew ◽  
Jeffery Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Feline Calicivirus ◽  
Human Norovirus ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Hard Surface ◽  
Color Changes ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Control ◽  
A Current

ABSTRACTCarpets and other soft surfaces have been associated with prolonged and reoccurring human norovirus (HuNoV) outbreaks. Environmental hygiene programs are important to prevent and control HuNoV outbreaks. Despite our knowledge of HuNoV transmission via soft surfaces, no commercially available disinfectants have been evaluated on carpets. Our aim was to adapt a current standardized method for virucidal testing by assessing two disinfection technologies, silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) and steam vapor, against one HuNoV surrogate, feline calicivirus (FCV), on wool and nylon carpets. First, we evaluated the effect of both technologies on the appearance of carpet. Next, we evaluated the efficacy of SDC in suspension and the efficacy of SDC and steam vapor against FCV on a glass surface, each with and without serum. Lastly, we tested both technologies on two types of carpet, wool and nylon. Both carpets exhibited no obvious color changes; however, SDC treatments left a residue while steam vapor left minor abrasions to fibers. SDC in suspension and on glass reduced FCV by 4.65 log10and >4.66 log10PFU, respectively, but demonstrated reduced efficacy in the presence of serum. However, SDC was only efficacious against FCV on nylon (3.62-log10PFU reduction) and not wool (1.82-log10PFU reduction). Steam vapor reduced FCV by >4.93 log10PFU on glass in 10 s and >3.68 log10PFU on wool and nylon carpet carriers in 90 s. There was a limited reduction of FCV RNA under both treatments compared to that of infectivity assays, but RNA reductions were higher in samples that contained serum.IMPORTANCEHuman noroviruses (HuNoV) account for ca. 20% of all diarrheal cases worldwide. Disease symptoms may include diarrhea and vomit, with both known to contribute to transmission. The prevention and control of HuNoV are difficult because they are environmentally resilient and resistant to many disinfectants. Several field studies have linked both hard and soft surfaces to HuNoV outbreaks. However, many disinfectants efficacious against HuNoV surrogates are recommended for hard surfaces, but no commercially available products have demonstrated efficacy against these surrogates on soft surfaces. Our research objectives were to evaluate liquid and steam-based technologies in suspension and on hard surface carriers in addition to adapting and testing a protocol for assessing the virucidal effects of disinfection technologies on carpet carriers. These results will inform both the government and industry regarding a standard method for evaluating the virucidal effects of disinfectants on carpet while demonstrating their efficacy relative to suspension and hard-surface tests.

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