Abstract
Defining biodiversity conservation goals requires representative and reliable data. However, data collected with the use of different methods can lead to divergent conclusions. Regardless of the high level of biodiversity of Mediterranean habitats, very little attention was paid in developing methods allowing rapid and scalable estimation of their richness. This study aims to recognize and explain the differences in performance of two methods: pitfall traps (PTM) and a complementary method based on hand collecting (HCM), in surveys of ants in the Mediterranean. We compared the results of applying both methods in three habitats in relation to α-, β-, and γ-diversity, and functional traits of species, i.e. Webber’s length (WL), nesting preferences, and evolutionary origin. Mean species number per HCM was significantly higher than per PTM sample. Spatial species turnover of HCM samples was higher than in PTM ones. However, assemblage dispersion did not differ. HCM detected a higher number of species and genera. WL differed significantly between HCM and PTM, and HCM recorded significantly more species in individual nesting guilds, regardless of considered habitat. HCM detected higher diversity of functional characteristic combinations of species. PTM detected fewer species with slightly larger body size and is useful in recognizing spatial species diversity patterns. HCM detected a higher number of species and produced more comprehensive results in identifying the functional diversity of ant assemblages. In conclusion, an integrated approach, described here as HCM, appears to be more suitable for heterogeneous Mediterranean habitats, especially when a survey aims at α-, β-, and γ-diversity assessments.
Highlights
Recent studies revealed a severe decline in biodiversity (Spooner et al 2018; SanchezBayo and Wyckhuys 2019; Soroye et al 2020), highlighting an urgent need to develop survey methods that allow quick and comprehensive estimation of species diversity
This study aims to recognize and explain the differences in performance of two methods: pitfall traps (PTM) and a complementary method based on hand collecting (HCM), in surveys of ants in the Mediterranean
Our results show that species richness varies with the sampling method, as found in similar studies (Fisher 1999; Ellison et al 2007; Lopes and Vasconcelos 2008; Gotelli et al 2011)
Summary
Recent studies revealed a severe decline in biodiversity (Spooner et al 2018; SanchezBayo and Wyckhuys 2019; Soroye et al 2020), highlighting an urgent need to develop survey methods that allow quick and comprehensive estimation of species diversity. Estimations of ant diversity and community composition are impacted by applied sampling methodology (Agosti and Alonso 2000; Gotelli et al 2011). The most common standardized methods used in ant-based inventories include pitfall traps, Winkler samples, and surface baiting (Agosti and Alonso 2000). The application of complementary techniques provides the most comprehensive picture of biodiversity and community composition (Agosti and Alonso 2000; Wong and Guerard 2017; Hanisch et al 2018)
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