MonitAnt
Developing a European-level Monitoring strategy for mound-building Formica Ants and symbiont communities residing in nest mounds
MonitAnt is a project focused on conserving mound-building Formica ants (MBF), key species in forest ecosystems. The different work packages (WPs) aim to develop monitoring strategies, assess genetic diversity, and provide conservation recommendations across Europe, engaging both stakeholders and the public.
WP1 Assessment of Europe-wide monitoring schemes / Citizen Science Projects
To enable a comprehensive assessment of MBF populations across European forests and grasslands, we are developing a standardized monitoring strategy. Citizen science projects provide valuable data on nest locations, and our goal is to establish a unified protocol to record nest density, habitat type, and associated species. Additionally, we are exploring automated monitoring approaches using drones and thermal cameras, which could be particularly useful for policymakers and conservation agencies.
WP2 Development and validation of harmonized cost-effective monitoring strategy
We will test whether surveying nests along forest edges and paths is sufficient to capture most MBF colonies across different forest types and altitudes. Citizen scientists will contribute data via platforms like iNaturalist, supplemented by field surveys and thermal imaging.
Additionally, we will explore remote sensing methods, including satellite data and LiDAR-equipped drones, to improve nest detection and habitat mapping. Collected MBF worker samples will support further analyses in other work packages.
WP3 MBF as umbrella species
MBF nest mounds create microhabitats that support diverse myrmecophile communities, making them key umbrella species. This work package explores their ecological role and interactions across environmental gradients.
MBFs are a food source for birds and mammals. We will monitor nest interactions using camera traps, distribution modeling, and scat analysis to assess their role in vertebrate conservation.
WP4 Thresholds for reproduction and survival
Investigating the thresholds for reproduction and survival of MBF species. The research estimates the minimum habitat size through citizen science and satellite data, exploring how different forest management methods, especially clear-cutting, impact the colonies. Additionally, thresholds along climatic and altitudinal gradients are examined. The goal is to develop recommendations for forest management that ensure the long-term preservation of MBF species and their ecosystem services.
WP5 MBF genetic diversity
The focus is on understanding the genetic diversity of MBF species, particularly in the context of habitat fragmentation. Fragmented habitats can lead to smaller, more isolated populations, increasing the risk of inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, and hybridization. The research aims to assess the genetic variation, occurrence of diploid males, and hybridization frequency of MBF species along climatic and forest fragmentation gradients. This will help predict how these species will fare in changing environments and forest management scenarios.
WP6 Synthesis of results
WP6 focuses on synthesizing MonitAnt results with stakeholders, assessing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the new monitoring strategy. It will analyze data on myrmecophile diversity, fitness parameters, pathogen prevalence, and genetic diversity across environmental gradients. This will inform conservation recommendations for MBF and associated species, especially in managed forests.
WP7 Dissemination of results and delivery of monitoring strategy for policymakers and citizen science projects
WP7 emphasizes stakeholder engagement and dissemination. It will collaborate with citizen scientists, foresters, and conservation organizations to develop monitoring recommendations and forest management guidelines. Public awareness will be raised through educational materials, and a transnational approach will optimize conservation strategies across Europe, with input from IUCN for updated threat assessments.