Ants and the Environment
Ants are among the longest living of all insects, with some species living up to 30 years – and even greater number of generations. Their ubiquity has made them one of the most studied insects and a major part of many ecosystems. Despite their often being considered pests, ants are surprisingly beneficial, playing a vital role in the environment.
Dr. Sarah Codd, an entomologist, believes that ants are among the most overlooked beneficial insects. Most species of ant play their role, from protecting their environment to providing food for other animals. They even help with the decomposition process, breaking down organic material and returning vital nutrients back into the earth.
It is estimated that a single acre of land can contain as many as 4 million ants. Their robust and industrious behavior makes ants incredibly efficient workers. Despite their small size, they work together as a team, collectively accomplishing feats that none could achieve alone. Their cooperation and intelligence often rivals that of larger animals and humans.
Dr. Codd further explains that ants are one of, if not the most important form of soil aeration. The soil is constantly compacted by rain, wind and the movements of other creatures, creating an unbalanced, compacted surface. Ants create tunnels and burrows to keep the soil healthy and aerated, ensuring that air and water have a way to penetrate the ground.
Ants are also some of the most successful scavengers. Their intense resourcefulness leads them to locate different food sources and ensure they keep their colony stocked and fed. This is incredibly important to other species in the environment as this process helps limit the spread of decay and helps other animals flourish.
According to research, ants are instrumental in the pollination process. Recent studies suggest that the presence of ants reduces the impact of parasites and predators on plants, helping increase their population and diversity. Identification of understanding of this process has been crucial in improving agricultural practices worldwide.
The presence of ants in an ecosystem is indicative of a balanced and healthy environment. When landowners guarantee safe passage for ant colonies, it is an effective way to protect the surrounding environment. Ants can provide pest control as they feed on other harmful insects as well as dead animals, helping eradicate the risk of disease.
Adaptability & Migrations
Despite their small size, ants have remarkable abilities when it comes to migration and adaptation. They are capable of travelling long distances and quickly adapting to different climates or landscapes with the help of their colony. Due to their willingness to explore and move unconditionally, ants are often the first organisms to arrive at a distressed area and settle it.
Dr. Codd believes that ants are the harbinger of change. Their tireless efforts to explore new areas are key to the redistribution of nutrients, as well as to the pollination of plants and trees. In regions with repeated wild fires, ants are often the first species to emerge and help restore the environment – they spread quickly and can thrive in harsh climates.
Studies suggest that ants can encourage the growth of native plants and trees by helping the growth and the dispersal of seeds. By collecting and burying seeds in areas that are conducive to plant growth, ants are key in the regeneration of devastated areas, helping to repopulate the ecosystem.
As scavengers, ants have also been found to play a critical role in disposing of organic waste. Thanks to their hard-working nature, ants have been known to consume animal carcasses, reducing the risk of contamination from bacteria or fungi. Their collective ability makes them incredibly efficient cleaners, capable of breaking down dead organisms and dispersing the nutrients into the ground.
Symbiotic Relationships
Given the many benefits of having an ant colony nearby, it is no surprise that animals of all shapes and sizes appreciate their presence. Animals such as birds, squirrels and lizards are known to share a symbiotic relationship with ants in exchange for a regular food supply.
As creatures with an innate curiosity and exploration instinct, ants constantly search for food. These expeditions often result in the discovery of different plant species and subsequently, in the pollination of such species. As a result, the chance of disease and parasites is significantly reduced and other species, like birds, often flock to these protein-rich spots. These areas also prove rich in resources for other animals, such as squirrels, who often feed on the rich assortment of seeds and grains brought forth by the ants.
Having an ant colony nearby also helps other animals to live in a safe environment. Being agile and intelligent fighters, ants are an effective deterrent to predators. Furthermore, those seeking food are often discouraged or chased away by the continuous comings and goings of the ants. Lizards often find shelter underneath the mounds created by ants, providing them with an extra layer of protection from predators.
Ants have also been observed helping trees to grow. In South East Asia, it was estimated that 20% of seed production was due to ants. This helps trees and other plants to reproduce and promote the growth of a particular species. Trees also help to reduce soil erosion, making them even more valuable in ensuring a healthy, balanced environment.
Conclusion of Ants’ Usefulness to the Environment
The humble ant has numerous uses in the environment. Its adaptability, resilience and hardworking attitude have made it one of the Earth’s most successful species. They are key to the decomposition process, soil aeration and the pollination of plants. They also help other animals to find food, chase away predators and contribute to the regrowth of forests.
Their presence is indicative of a healthy, balanced ecosystem and can improve the lives of many people and animals alike. As such, ants should be better cared for and respected, as they still remain one of nature’s most valuable assets.
Deforestation & Logging
Ants naturally prefer to live in and around forests due, to them proving the perfect environment for their everyday activities. Unfortunately, deforestation and logging have caused an unprecedented decline in the number of ants, resulting in disastrous effects to their respective ecosystems.
Dr. Codd believes that it is entirely possible for an ant colony to survive deforestation and remain in tact if the conditions surrounding it remain stable, however, this is not often the case. The combination of warmth, humidity and lush greenery can attract predatory insects and other out of control visitors. These conditions also cause ant colonies to relocate, looking for a better environment for them to survive.
What is worse, however, is when a totally different species of ant emerges after large scale deforestation, such as an unmanaged plantation or an irresponsible logging operation. This type of ant often has differing needs and behaviors compared to their predecessors, resulting in local species dying off and natural resources being exponentially depleted more quickly than ever before.
Deforestation can also disrupt the balance of an ant-inhabited environment, leading to the decline of local flora and fauna. Native plants, flowers and trees will suffer as a result of their lack of pollinators and decomposers that help keep their existence viable. Without ants, other species can lose the source of their nutrients and become overrun by unwelcome guests or predatory animals.
Industry & Extermination
As valuable as ants may be, their presence is not always welcome. The increase in urbanisation has attributed to the decline of certain species of ants due to their preference of clean, natural environments. As such, many cities have opted to exterminate their presence in a bid to keep their streets cleaner.
Residents of rural areas are also known to resort to extermination, though this is often reported to be a last resort as it is seen to be a disruptive act and potentially hazardous to the environment. However, Dr. Codd believes that with proper management and consideration for local regulations, ants can be re-introduced into their previous habitats without any negative impacts.
The industrial sector has also had a great impact on the ant population. Pollution from industry is often known to cause great stress and distress on ant colonies, as some contaminants target and kill them as quickly as 30 minutes after exposure. This has subsequently caused a major decline in the ant population due to the introduction of heavy metals or oil-based silicones.
The heavily industrialised areas of the world often overwhelm their indigenous ant formations with the introduction of alien forms, creating detrimental chaotic scenarios in which ants fight and compete for the same resources.
Conservation Efforts & Ant Preservation
Ants are increasingly vulnerable to changes in their environment and require a balanced and resilient ecosystem to thrive. Urbanisation and unrestrained industrialisation have caused a great decline in the ant population, leading to the near extinction of some species. This has motivated some conservationists to come up with initiatives and strategies to protect them and help them recover.
Dr. Codd believes that protecting an ant colony is a difficult task, as their environment is ever-changing and hard to control. Conservationists and environmental activists suggest that the most effective way of preserving ant colonies and allowing them to flourish is to keep their habitat as pollutant-free and natural as possible.
Efforts have also been put into reintroducing species or ant populations into their previous habitats by re-introducing their favourite foods and establishing specific protection law. Bans have been implemented in certain areas, restricting the use of pesticides and destructive excavation works, while educational campaigns have been disseminated to inform citizens of the importance of ants.
It is estimated that our cohabitation with ants goes back millenia, with their presence being found in ancient African and Asian texts. They serve as a reminder that evolution can still occur, even with the smallest creatures, and that the Earth still has a surprising capacity for resilience.
