Radchenko O. G.
Taxonomic and ecological structure of myrmecocomplexes in the forests of Volyn’ Polissia (Ukraine) and its transformation in the process of forest restoration in clerings // Proc. of the State Nat. Hist. Mus. - Lviv, 2023. - 39. - P. 181-188 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36885/nzdpm.2023.39.181-188 Key words: ants, fauna, structure of myrmecocomplexes, successions on wood cleanings, Polissia, Ukraine 57 ant species were found in Volyn’ Polissia, of which 34 were found in the selected model forest plots. Changes in the ecological and taxonomic structure of the myrmecofauna in 2-, 7- and 17 years old wood cleanings were analyzed. Immediately after cutting down the trees and destroying the territory ants disappeared. Next year, meso-xerophilic and hemixerophilic species begin to populate this territory. Later, a number of meso- xerophilic species, which inhabit mainly dry meadows, appear there. The structure of myrmecofauna on the 17-years old cleaning begins to approach that of virgin forests. Red wood ants completely disappeared from the cleanings, what negatively affects the phytosanitary condition of the adjacent wooded areas. As a result, new ant associations are formed, but they become less stable, and it takes at least 50 years for the complete restoration of zonal forest myrmecomplexes.
Taxonomic and ecological structure of myrmecocomplexes in the forests of Volyn’ Polissia (Ukraine) and its transformation in the process of forest restoration in clerings // Proc. of the State Nat. Hist. Mus. - Lviv, 2023. - 39. - P. 181-188 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36885/nzdpm.2023.39.181-188 Key words: ants, fauna, structure of myrmecocomplexes, successions on wood cleanings, Polissia, Ukraine 57 ant species were found in Volyn’ Polissia, of which 34 were found in the selected model forest plots. Changes in the ecological and taxonomic structure of the myrmecofauna in 2-, 7- and 17 years old wood cleanings were analyzed. Immediately after cutting down the trees and destroying the territory ants disappeared. Next year, meso-xerophilic and hemixerophilic species begin to populate this territory. Later, a number of meso- xerophilic species, which inhabit mainly dry meadows, appear there. The structure of myrmecofauna on the 17-years old cleaning begins to approach that of virgin forests. Red wood ants completely disappeared from the cleanings, what negatively affects the phytosanitary condition of the adjacent wooded areas. As a result, new ant associations are formed, but they become less stable, and it takes at least 50 years for the complete restoration of zonal forest myrmecomplexes.
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