Ecology and conservation of ant communities in the Alappuzha coast, Kerala, India

Abstract

The diversity, composition, and ecological significance of ant communities across three distinct coastal habitats - vegetated dunes, coconut groves, and disturbed sandy patches along the Alappuzha coast of Kerala were studied. A total of 21 ant species from 16 genera and 5 subfamilies were identified. Species richness and Shannon diversity were highest in vegetated dunes (17 species; H’= 2.97; 1–D = 0.91), followed by coconut groves (14 species; H’ = 2.54; 1–D = 0.84) and disturbed sandy patches (11 species; H’ = 1.98; 1–D = 0.74). Soil organic matter and moisture content showed strong positive correlations with ant abundance and diversity. Field observations and seed removal experiments revealed that ants contribute significantly to seed dispersal, soil turnover, and nutrient cycling. The findings highlight the sensitivity of coastal ant assemblages to habitat conditions and their potential as bioindicators for monitoring and conserving coastal ecosystems.