Abstract
Until recently the influence of ant activity in the erosional processes on slopes has been neglected. Most burrowing ants move soil particles to the surface and the resulting mounds present readily erodible material. An inventory was made in the Arde`che district (S-France) to establish the spatial distribution and density of ant mounds. At the same time, detailed field measurements were made to estimate the degradation of ant mounds. The results of the two separate studies were integrated, with the use of a formula which indicates a total soil loss figure. In the cultivated parts of the survey area the role of ants in soil loss appears to be negligible. However, in areas covered with (semi-)natural vegetation the effects may be significant.
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