<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Three to four dominant seed-transporting ant species of different size categories (Tetramorium caespitum, Lasius niger, Formica rufibarbis/Formica pratensis) on the plateau of abandoned ore sedimentation basin (tailings containment) were studied as pioneer and subsequent colonisers of this industrial waste deposit, from the viewpoint of their functioning in plant seed dispersal. We examined the role of ants in primary vegetation succession. Experiments of seed removal by ants with plant species found within close proximity of tailings were related to the succession. Ant activity generates a considerable shift in the quality of the colonised surface, as they collectively act as ecosystem engineers</p></abstract>

Three to four dominant seed-transporting ant species of different size categories (Tetramorium caespitum, Lasius niger, Formica rufibarbis/Formica pratensis) on the plateau of abandoned ore sedimentation basin (tailings containment) were studied as pioneer and subsequent colonisers of this industrial waste deposit, from the viewpoint of their functioning in plant seed dispersal. We examined the role of ants in primary vegetation succession. Experiments of seed removal by ants with plant species found within close proximity of tailings were related to the succession. Ant activity generates a considerable shift in the quality of the colonised surface, as they collectively act as ecosystem engineers

Ants as Ecosystem Engineers in Natural Restoration of Human Made Habitats

Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, 128 01 Prague 2, Czech Republic

Institute of the Environment, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benátská 2, 128 01 Prague 2, Czech Republic

Journal of Landscape Ecology

{"article-title":"Ants as Ecosystem Engineers in Natural Restoration of Human Made Habitats"}

Three to four dominant seed-transporting ant species of different size categories (Tetramorium caespitum, Lasius niger, Formica rufibarbis/Formica pratensis)...

Ants as Ecosystem Engineers in Natural Restoration of Human Made Habitats

Published Online: Sep 27, 2013

Page range: 18 - 31

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10285-012-0061-9

This content is open access.