Mirmecofauna y perturbación en un bosque de niebla neotropical (Reserva Natural Hato Viejo, Valle del Cauca, Colombia)

Abstract

The study area is located in a highland rain forest of the Colombian Andes in the Farallones de Cali National Park .. Between January and August, 1993, a comparison of the ant fauna was carried in nine transects corre­ sponding to three successional stages: primary forest, secondary forest and regeneration area. A total of 25 ant species was recorded; significant differences in species richness and diversity arnong the three successional stages were found, with the lowest diversity in the regeneration area. Although the difference in diversity between secondary and primary forests was not significant, each of the sucessional stages has a characteristic species composition. This faet can be related with sorne factors of their vegetation structure and microclima, such as temperature. Vegetation of primary forests is more complex tban that of perturbed areas and, thus, microclirnatic stability, allowing specialized behaviors. We found groups of rare species and common species exclusive of each successional stage, that could be considered as indicators of the degree of disturbance.