Distribution Pattern of Ant Species in Tongbiguan Nature Reserve and Adjacent Area in Yunnan Province

PurposeTo reveal the distribution feature of ants in Tongbiguan Nature Reserve and adjacent area in Yunnan Province.

MethodThe distribution pattern of ant species in the area was surveyed using plot sampling method.

ResultsTotally 130 species belonging to 50 genera and 10 subfamilies of Formicidae were recognized in the area, most of which had narrower horizontal distribution. Up to 98 species only appeared in one or two horizontal zones, accounting for 75.4% of the total species. Up to 111 species accounting for 85.4% of the total species had relative narrow or narrow range in vertical distribution. Among the seven habitats, mountain rain forest had the richest ant species (74 species), succeeded by valley rain forest (60 species), and moss evergreen broadleaf forest had the poorest ant species (only one species). Majority of ant species forage in soil (82 species), and followed by forager on the ground (77 species). Most ant species nest in soil (46 species), and succeeded by ant species nest on the ground (16 species). The rich and complex ecological environment was conducive to provide more niches, which was the main reason for the formation of the ants existing distribution pattern in this area.

ConclusionYunnan Tongbiguan Nature Reserve and adjacent area is rich in ant species, but most species have narrower distribution and ecological adaptation range. It is suggested to strengthen the protection of local endemic narrower range species.