Ant (Hymenoptera: formicidae) diversity in the Quezon National Forest Park, in Atimonan and adjoining disturbed areas, Quezon Province, Philippines

Issue Date

10-2009

Abstract

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are considered biological indicators of a healthy environment. A preliminary survey of ant diversity was conducted inside the forested areas of Quezon National Forest Park, Atimonan, Quezon. Sampling was done mainly using sugar-baiting and hand-collecting. Fifteen species were observed belonging mainly to forest-inhabiting groups like Anochetus, Camponotous, Crematogaster, Myrmicaria, Odontomachus, Oecophylla, Polyrhachis and Strumigenys. On the other hand, disturbed areas tend to support mainly the tramp species as well as invasive, stinging and highly agrresive ants like Anoplolepis, Diacamma, Pheidole, Oecophylla, Paratrechina, Solenopsis and Tapinoma. Both Oecophylla and Dolichoderus ants can thrive in disturbed as well as forest edges. the trends show that the forest park area is still relatively environmentally healthy and can still harbor forest species. Thus further justifies its continued protection from further destruction due to such activities as illegal logging, poaching of wildlife and unabated collection of insects by hobbyists and traders. Further and more extensive surveys are needed to generate more detailed information on the ant diversity in the area.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

23

Issue

2

Page

204

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

FORMICIDAE; BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS; BIODIVERSITY; NATIONAL PARKS; NATURE RESERVES; PHILIPPINES

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS