Disturbance-Driven Patterns of Ant Diversity, Functional Composition, and Biogeographic Affiliation in a Rapidly Urbanizing Himalayan Landscape

Abstract

This study assessed ant diversity and functional group distribution across forest, agricultural, and urban habitats in Dehradun (30.31650⁰ N, 78.03220⁰ E) under varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Sampling was conducted from August 2020 to February 2023 using three transects per habitat, each comprising twenty sampling units. Ants were collected through a combination of active and passive methods, including pitfall traps, leaf litter extraction, baiting, and hand collection. A total of 42 species belonging to 23 genera and 6 subfamilies (Formicinae, Dolichoderinae, Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Aenictinae, and Pseudomyrmicinae) were recorded. Species richness was highest in forest habitats (36 species), followed by agricultural (21 species) and urban habitats (19 species). Functional group analysis revealed clear effects of disturbance gradients, with Generalised Myrmicinae dominating across all habitats (30.01% in forest, 29.34% in agriculture, and 49.44% in urban areas). Opportunist species were most abundant in agricultural habitats (25.41%), while invasive species also showed the highest prevalence in these areas (26.22%), indicating strong anthropogenic influence. Overall, the study highlights the impact of urbanization and land-use change on ant community structure and emphasizes the importance of conserving less disturbed habitats to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.