Diversity,abundance, and species composition of ants in urban green spaces |
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Authors: | Shinsuke Uno Julie Cotton Stacy M Philpott |
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Institution: | (1) School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;(2) Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., MS 604, Toledo, OH 43606, USA;(3) Present address: Department of Humanity and Environment/ Ichigaya Liberal Art Center, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan;(4) Present address: Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; |
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Abstract: | Urbanization threatens biodiversity, yet the number and scope of studies on urban arthropod biodiversity are relatively limited.
We sampled ant communities in three urban habitats (forest remnants, community gardens, vacant lots) in Detroit and Toledo,
USA, to compare species richness, abundance, and species composition. We measured 24 site characteristics to examine relationships
between richness and composition and habitat patch size, vegetation, and urban features. Ant richness was higher in forests
(26) than in gardens (14) and intermediate in vacant lots (20). Ant richness in gardens and vacant lots negatively correlated
with abundance of an exotic ant species (Tetramorium caespitum); thus this ant may affect native ant richness in urban habitats. Ant composition differed with habitat type, and abundance
was lowest in forests. Site characteristics varied with habitat type: forests were larger, had more woody plants, higher woody
plant richness, more branches, and leaf litter whereas lots and gardens had more concrete and buildings. Vacant lots had taller
herbaceous vegetation, and gardens had higher forb richness, density, and more bare ground. Differences in vegetation did
not correlate with ant richness, but several vegetation factors (e.g. patch size, number and size of trees, leaf litter, and
amount of concrete and buildings) correlated with differences in ant species composition. Additional factors relating to soil,
nests, or microclimatic factors may also be important for urban ant communities. Implications for biodiversity conservation
in urban ecosystems are discussed. |
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