Restoration of ant fauna in environments with different land use histories in the southern Atlantic Forest biome

Ants stand out as bioindicators for monitoring impacted areas. This study evaluates the richness, abundance, and composition of ant assemblages in environments with different land use histories in the southern Atlantic Forest biome. The study was carried out in five sites with different land use histories inserted in a Permanent Preservation Area (PPA) isolated for passive restoration. Two sampling campaigns were carried out (December 2018 and January 2019; and December 2019 and January 2020) using seven sampling methods (soil pitfall traps, canopy pitfall traps, sardine baits, glucose baits, entomological umbrella, entomological sweeping net, and manual collection). We used a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess the association of species with sites. Overall, 151 ant species were identified, belonging to 36 genera and eight subfamilies. We identified differences (p<0.05) between the assemblage sampled at the site that was initially more impacted than the others. We verified an association of species considered generalists with the sites occupied by a construction site, agricultural areas, and reforestation areas. On the other hand, specialized and predatory species were associated with sites that were occupied by pasture or forest fragments. The results are relevant for understanding the impacts caused by the construction of hydroelectric projects on ants’ biodiversity and other associated organisms. Ant biodiversity may be benefiting from isolated areas such as PPAs around hydroelectric reservoirs. These environments may be providing shelter for the ant fauna and its associated biodiversity.