Impact of Atta colombica Colonies on Understory Vegetation and Light Availability in a Neotropical Forest1 |
| |
| Authors: | Helen M. Hull-Sanders Jerome J. Howard |
| |
| Affiliation: | Program in Conservation Biology Department of Biological Sciences University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana 70148, U.S.A. |
| |
| Abstract: | We quantified patterns of vegetation removal and light availability above Atta colombica nests on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Ants cleared vegetation less than 1 cm in diameter from an area of 77 m2, and up to 3 m above ground level. Overall light availability 1.5 m above ground level was 49 percent greater at ant nest sites than at sites in undisturbed understory. These higher light levels fell within the range known to enhance growth of both shade tolerant and pioneer species. |
| |
| Keywords: | Atta colombica Barro Colorado Island light availability tropical moist forest understory structure |
|
