Ants as bioindicators of habitat disturbance: validation of the functional group model for Australia's humid tropics

摘要: A functional group model of ant community composition has been widely used in Australia to analyse biogeographical patterns structure and the responses communities disturbance. The provided valuable support widespread use as bioindicators ecological change. However, was developed from studies arid-zone faunas, its applicability World Heritage rainforests Queensland's humid tropics not yet validated. Here we test predictions based on for rainforests, by documenting disturbance Atherton Tablelands. Five sites were studied, comprising two relatively undisturbed reference representing contrasting rainforest types, three previously cleared sites, which undergoing revegetation. variety sampling techniques employed, including pitfall trapping, litter extractions, baiting, general searching. total 50 species 29 genera collected. Site richness highest at lowest unvegetated disturbed site, overall negatively related mean ground temperature. As predicted model, behaviorally dominant dolichoderines uncommon or absent most common ants Generalized myrmicines Opportunists. Also predicted, habitat favored Opportunists, and, involved canopy clearance, this led colonization Iridomyrmex other Dominant dolichoderines. Opportunists represented about 40% traps compared with 80–95% sites. Except one species, Tropical Climate Specialists Specialist Predators In conclusion, relation Tablelands conform that applied faunas elsewhere Australia. may therefore play an important role change region.