Effect of road disturbance on ant diversity in the Monte desert of Argentina

AMATTA, E.; ANDINO, N.; CALCATERRA, L. A.; GIANNONI, S. M.

JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2023

1366-638X

Roads are among the most frequent generators of anthropogenic disturbances. Due to the extensive area that is affected along them, these infrastructures represent a major conservation concern worldwide. Ants are an important component of natural ecosystems and are considered very sensitive to disturbance. The National Road 150 forms part of the Central Bioceanic Corridorthat will connect Brazil with Chile. In its trajectory, it crosses the Ischigualasto Provincial Park in Argentina. In order to evaluate the effects of this road on biodiversity in roadsides that run across this protected area, we compared species and functional group diversity of ants collected using pitfall traps at disturbed and undisturbed sites. Also, we analyzed whether habitat variables, such as plant cover, gravel cover and soil hardness, explain ant species and functional group abundance in both site types. Nineteen species and 2 genera were identified in both sites, with roadside containing relatively more exclusives and rare species. Seven functional groups were identified; Hot climate specialists were the most abundant at both sites. The sites did not show differences for soil hardness and cover of large gravel. However, undisturbed sites had the highest percentage plant cover, and a greater cover of medium and large gravel; while the cover of small gravel was the highest in disturbed sites. Results suggest that with the current management, there were no profound changes in the ant community due to road edge effects. Also, the roadsides have some value for the conservation of the protected area. Implications for insect conservation Our results show that there were no profound changes in the ant community due to road edge effects generated by National Road 150. Therefore, the roadsides have some value for the conservation of the Ischigualasto Provincial Park with the current management.