The impacts of red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and bait treatment on the diversity of native ants — a case study of National Taipei University, Sanshia campus
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
Tsai, Yu-Hsuan
Abstract
The data of this study were generated from the pilot study of the eradication program of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta, RIFA) carried out in Sanshia campus, National Taipei University. The numbers of RIFA and local ants were monitored by pitfall traps with 2-4 months interval followed by bait broadcasting. Data from four given periods among totally 14 monitoring courses were chosen and defined as initial stage (Ini.), middle stage (Mid.), late stage (Lat.) and terminal stage (Ter.) of control. Two small plots, A2 and D4, were selected to investigate the detailed changes in the numbers of ants over the 14 monitoring courses. Overall patterns suggest that the population of RIFA declined rapidly after control taking place and has been suppressed until the end of this study. All captured local ants comprised of 33 species, 19 genera, and 4 subfamilies in Formicidae. The compositions of ant fauna are different in study areas, which give raise the diverse make-up of dominate and sub-dominate species. In general, however, the dominate and sub-dominate species in distinct areas were composed of Myrmicinae and Formicinae. The overall richness and abundance of local ants in the campus seem not to be affected after RIFA was controlled by bait. Considering three different diversity indices, the diversity of the local ant populations significantly decreased after treatment and then increased gradually and slowly. However, it did not reach the level as found in the initial stage of invasion. The dynamic relationships among ants found in the campus suggest that not only the interspecific competition did exist under the pressure of RIFA and bait but also native ant species may be impacted by bait that RIFA can not occupy because of low population density. Based on the results obtained from this study, the control strategy might be modified to protect the local ant species by decreasing the amount of bait applied in the field and integrating the ants characterized by better competition ability as potential management agents. In this way the eradication program may gain additional benefits, particularly during the late stage of control, the likelihood of recolonization of RIFA could be minimized by the integration of chemical and biological controls.
Subjects
Solenopsis invicta
native ant
diversity
competition
control
Type
thesis
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
ntu-97-R94632005-1.pdf
Size
23.53 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):23716e9143449e8651e4941cd75a7e16