(Download) "Effect of Mine Reclamation on Ant Community Structure in Eastern Texas." by The Texas Journal of Science # Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Effect of Mine Reclamation on Ant Community Structure in Eastern Texas.
- Author : The Texas Journal of Science
- Release Date : January 01, 1991
- Genre: Engineering,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 185 KB
Description
ABSTRACT. -- The effect of strip mine reclamation on ant community structure was investigated. Six study areas, with different reclamation histories, were sampled to test for effects of age since reclamation, reclamation method and land use after reclamation. The six areas were an unmined control area; an area reclaimed in 1987; an area reclaimed in 1983; and two areas reclaimed in 1978, one of which had been grazed by cattle since 1985. An additional area, reclaimed in 1981 with mixed grass species (side-oats grama, Bouteloula curtipendula, and switchgrass, Panicum virgatum), was examined to test for the effects of an alternate reclamation method. Diversity index values suggest that colonization is open to several ant species early in the reclamation process, but the presence of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, confounds ant community recovery. Grazing by cattle and reclamation with mixed grasses appear to accelerate infestation by S. invicta. Key words: Solenopsis invicta; red imported fire ant; diversity; strip mining; reclamation. **********