The influence of urban park characteristics on ant (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) communities |
| |
Authors: | Kevin M Clarke Brian L Fisher Gretchen LeBuhn |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA;(2) Department of Entomology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA |
| |
Abstract: | As rapid urbanization continues, existing natural areas within urban zones will play a critical role in safeguarding remaining
biodiversity. Ants are an integral part of almost every terrestrial ecosystem, including urban environments, and understanding
which environmental characteristics influence their persistence is critical. In this study, 24 protected natural areas within
urban parks including mosaic, scrub, herbaceous and forest habitats were surveyed for ants with 563 pitfall traps. The data
provide insights into the distribution and abundance of ant fauna in San Francisco natural areas, as well as which characteristics
of parks have the most influence on ant community composition. A total of 2,068 ant individuals representing 15 species were
collected. A regression analysis revealed that urban forests reduced ant richness and abundance and that there was little
or no impact of the Argentine ant on native ants. Natural area size and shape were not important in explaining variations
in overall ant species richness and abundance, with many smaller natural areas harboring ant populations that are just as
diverse and robust as larger areas. |
| |
Keywords: | Urbanization Natural areas Argentine ant San Francisco Forest Conservation |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|