Ants of Central Altai: Spatial-typological structure and classification of communities

The basic features of spatial differentiation of ant communities were studied based on quantitative counts in all the landscapes of Central Altai. Gradual changes in the structure of ant communities on altitudinal belts were observed, as well as the mosaic patterns of the complexes determined by the variations in meso- and microclimatic conditions within the belt. The main trends in the correlated changes of ant communities and environmental factors were revealed. Classification of ant communities which may form the basis for the legend of a medium-scale map was made using multidimensional factor analysis. The specific features of the spatial differentiation of ant communities in Central Altai, as well as those in Northeast Altai studied earlier, are largely determined by fluctuations in the hydrothermal conditions of these regions. Among the anthropogenic factors, the most significant one in both provinces is transformation of habitats caused by plowing, stocking, annual mowing, and construction.