Subproject

E16 - Ant and termite communities along a habitat degradation gradient: patterns and consequences for ecosystem function

Workpackage

WP1: Enhancing tools and scientific capacity for monitoring ants and termites

Project leader(s)

Prof. Dr. Roland Brandl
Dr. Manfred Kaib
Marcell Peters
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wägele

Project description

One of the largest obstacles in the study of insect communities in tropical rainforests is the large deficit in taxonomic documentation. This is particular true for African rainforests, where at best species lists exist for single areas. By creating species catalogues of ant and termite communities, presenting each species and relevant morphological features with detailed images, we will provide a scientific tool for straightforward, time-efficient identification of specimens. By sequencing and compiling DNA-signatures of all ant and termite species we will supply a valuable tool in dealing with geni holding many cryptic species (like it is expected for termites and ants). The compilation will be a milestone in the development of future DNA-based identification systems, which will allow fast analyses of diversity patterns in species-rich communities. In cooperation with the local conservation group ‘Kakamega Environmental Education Program’ we will conduct workshops in order to inform local communities about the important role of ants and termites in ecosystems.

Keywords

ants, DNA-signatures, barcodes, species list, termites

Contribution to
cross-cutting themes (CCT)

• Monitoring and assessment of biodiversity in space and time (Theme1)
• Capacity building and information policy at local, national,and international levels (Theme5)

Link to Subproject