Subproject

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

Workpackage

WP4: Ant predation and herbivore-control: from rainforest to intensively used farmland

Project leader(s)

Marcell Peters
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wägele

Project description

Ants are major predators in tropical ecosystems. In this workpackage we will experimentally measure ant predation on herbivores on the ground and on plants along the land-use intensity gradient. We will analyze if predation rates are related to the diversity and abundance of ants or to the species composition of communities. By an exclusion experiment in the farmland we will test the significance of ants as agents of pest control. The workpackage will provide baseline data on an important ecosystem process and will supply recommendations for a sustainable use of biodiversity.

Keywords

ants, habitat degradation, land-use, pest control, predation

Contribution to
cross-cutting themes (CCT)

• Monitoring and assessment of biodiversity in space and time (Theme1)
• Understanding natural processes of change (Theme2)
• Understanding human use, value and impact in space and time (Theme3)
• Recommendations and measures for sustainable use of biodiversity (Theme4)

Link to Subproject