Ant diversity and distribution patterns along an elevational gradient in the northern part of western Sichuan Plateau, China

Abstract

ABSTRACT The ant species diversity and patterns along elevation gradients attracts increasing attention from many investigators. However, elevational gradients in ant species diversity have been less studied in Southwestern China. Here, we investigated the elevational pattern of ant species richness in the northern part of the western Sichuan plateau. We tested the two hypotheses: (1) ant species richness decreases with increased elevation; (2) different elevations will have a distinct ant species assemblage. We used different sampling methods like soil cores, stick beating, and hand picking to sample ants. A total of 35 species from 4 subfamilies were collected. Ant species richness declined with increasing elevation, and formed three elevational assemblages (1500–2000, 2000–3000, and 3000–4000 above sea level). The peak diversity of ant species occurs at 1500 m above sea level. Our study revealed the ant diversity and distribution patterns along elevation gradients in the northern part of the western Sichuan plateau, and provides valuable information for development of biodiversity conservation planning in the Western Sichuan Plateau, China.