Conclusion

The results revealed that ants could be used as habitat status indicator. The patterns of ant composition in different habitats depended on the dissimilarity between scrublands, plantations, moist deciduous forests and evergreen forests.

Ant species richness along with increasing number of specialized predators were high in the comparatively less disturbed and large contiguous patches of evergreen forests. Absence of invasive ant species in this habitat indicates minimal human interaction.

The eastern and northern portion of the Linganamakki catchment , which was subjected to human pressure, has led to differing composition of ants, wherein hot climate specialists were more prominent while arboreal species were totally absent.

The conversion of forests to monoculture plantations shows moderate levels of diversity without many specialized species. This highlights the need to maintain biodiversity.

The northern region of the study area (Bellani state forest) was completely disturbed and forests were cut to pave way to Acacia plantations, has resulted in the absence of arboreal species. Also in such areas a resurgence of generalists had been noted.

The absence of canopy gap specialists in the contiguous forests of the western region (Karni range forest) supported the existence of such undisturbed vegetation patches, which need to be conserved and managed efficiently.

The presence of Anoplolepis longipes towards the northern region and southern region (close to the reservoir) are regions which need immediate attention as they are under extensive human pressure. With lack of close canopy in such areas, Oecophylla smaragdina is absent while the open canopy and hard soil has resulted in the dominance of A.longipes, the invasive species.

Spatial tools such as GIS and remote sensing data helped in habitat mapping and linking fauna diversity and abundance with the status of landscape elements. This helps in formulating habitat conservation and management plans.

An integrated approach of using remote sensing and GIS applications for understanding the habitat requirement of ants in framing management rules for conservation purposes has proven to be well balanced.