Comparison of the exotic and native ant communities (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in urban green areas at inland, coastal and insular sites in Spain

Joaquín Reyes-López,Soledad Carpintero

doi:10.14411/eje.2014.044

Abstract

Currently the introduction and spread of invasive species is an issue of great concern. To effectively manage this problem it is essential to know what constitute invasion hotspots. In this respect, the role of urban green areas in the conservation of biodiversity is a controversial matter. These areas may either favour colonization by alien species or shelter species of high conservation value. We evaluated the influence of location (island, coastal or inland) on the exotic and native ant fauna recorded in 27 urban green areas in Spain. A forward-stepwise discriminant analysis revealed differences between these locations in terms of the composition of the fauna, with exotic species identified as being the most important discriminating variable. There is a gradient: inland-coastal-island, along which there is significant increase in importance in terms of species richness and abundance of particular exotic species and decrease in the dominance of both common and rare native species. Areas located on the Island were more susceptible to invasion by alien ants. Coastal areas were also more susceptible to invasion than inland areas. These results possibly reflect the greater probability of an invasive species reaching these locations and the milder weather conditions at these sites, which would favour their establishment.

Highlights

The loss of natural habitats due to increasing urbanization constitutes one of the biggest problems for the conservation of species
We evaluated the influence of location on the exotic and native ant fauna recorded in 27 urban green areas in Spain
Exotic species are frequently favoured by these circumstances (Reyes-López et al, 2008; Stringer et al, 2009), a fact which aggravates the situation of native species (Lososová et al, 2012)

Summary

Introduction

The loss of natural habitats due to increasing urbanization constitutes one of the biggest problems for the conservation of species. In the face of urban sprawl, native species either adapt or disappear. There are some species that are preadapted to living in humanized habitats and many studies report homogenization of the fauna in these habitats (McKinney, 2006; Lizée et al, 2011; Buczkowski & Richmond, 2013). Other studies indicate that urban environments are not lost habitats for wildlife but rather new habitats that, with the proper management, have the potential to support diverse communities (Sattler et al, 2011; Trueman & Young, 2012). Urban parks and gardens are possible refuges for native species of animals and plants (Adams, 1994). A controversy surrounds the true value of urban habitats for conservation purposes and much local work on this topic needs to be done

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Results

Conclusion