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A Study on the Ant Diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Periyar Tiger Reserve in South Western Ghats


Affiliations
1 St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva, Kerala
2 Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala
     

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Ants represent a unique focal group, due to their ability to navigate across all trophic levels, along with their sensitivity to any changes in the environment. The present study aims to determine the species composition of ants across varying vegetation types in Periyar Tiger Reserve of Southern Western Ghats. Thirty one (31) species of ants belonging to 14 genus and 4 subfamilies were collected from different habitats of the reserve. This study emphasizes the dominancy exhibited by the subfamily Formicinae within the ant communities, due to their ability to adapt to different niches. Harpegnathos saltator, a species endemic to Western Ghats and Paratrechina longicornis listed in the IUCN red list were collected from the habitat. Out of the total 31 species collected from the five different habitats of the study area, 24 species of ants were found in the semi-evergreen habitat making it the most species rich habitat.

Keywords

Ants, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, Paratrechina Longicornis
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About The Authors

Saranya Sivadasan
St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva, Kerala

Anu Anto
St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva, Kerala

Gigi K Joseph
Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala

Shaju Thomas
Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala


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  • A Study on the Ant Diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Periyar Tiger Reserve in South Western Ghats

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Authors

Saranya Sivadasan
St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva, Kerala
Anu Anto
St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva, Kerala
Gigi K Joseph
Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala
Shaju Thomas
Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala

Abstract


Ants represent a unique focal group, due to their ability to navigate across all trophic levels, along with their sensitivity to any changes in the environment. The present study aims to determine the species composition of ants across varying vegetation types in Periyar Tiger Reserve of Southern Western Ghats. Thirty one (31) species of ants belonging to 14 genus and 4 subfamilies were collected from different habitats of the reserve. This study emphasizes the dominancy exhibited by the subfamily Formicinae within the ant communities, due to their ability to adapt to different niches. Harpegnathos saltator, a species endemic to Western Ghats and Paratrechina longicornis listed in the IUCN red list were collected from the habitat. Out of the total 31 species collected from the five different habitats of the study area, 24 species of ants were found in the semi-evergreen habitat making it the most species rich habitat.

Keywords


Ants, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, Paratrechina Longicornis

References