Abstract
Ant diversity is influenced by the structural complexity of the environment. Ants are thus an ecologically important group due to their potential to serve as indicators of environmental quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate ant diversity in areas with different land use histories and thus, within different stages of regeneration in the Permanent Preservation Area of the Foz do Chapecó Hydroelectric Plant reservoir. Ant assemblies among sample sites were compared using rarefaction analysis, and estimated richness, frequency of occurrence, and relative abundance were calculated. Associations between species and sample sites were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We identified 55 species in total from 24 genera, distributed among seven subfamilies. Eight species had positive associations with sample sites. Estimates indicated that ant richness may be up to 21.4% greater than that observed. This study presents an inventory of species capable of colonizing environments undergoing natural regeneration processes, and aids our understanding of ecological recovery dynamics in protected areas near hydroelectric plant reservoirs southern Brazil.
Highlights
Brazil is among the locations with the highest global biological diversity
The ant fauna found in this study generally agrees with previous surveys in the region
The 40 species sampled in Santa Catarina sites represent 19.3% of those described for the western region of the state (Ulysséa et al 2011)
Summary
Brazil is among the locations with the highest global biological diversity It boasts a unique natural heritage expressed through various endemic biomes (Marques and Lamas 2006), including the Brazilian Atlantic forest (Galindo-Leal and Câmara 2003). The construction of dams necessarily suppresses vegetation and displaces species, causing soil turnover and compaction, culminating with the formation of the lake (Barbosa Filho 2013, Kliemann and Dalariva 2015). These environmental alterations translate into habitat loss, species displacement, local microclimatic changes, and a restructuring of the ecosystem adjacent to the lake formation. These adjacent ecosystems are protected and designated as Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) in accordance with the Brazilian forest code (Brazil 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
