A Preliminary Survey of the Ants of the Kwamalasamutu Region, SW Suriname

Abstract

*[At least 100 species of ants were recorded around the Werehpai caves during the RAP survey. While ant data from the RAP survey are still being analyzed, a preliminary look at the ant fauna of the area indicates that the forests contain a diverse & abundant ant fauna. The presence of many dacetine species typical of closed-canopy rainforest indicate that the forests are in good condition. The ant fauna of Suriname is still very poorly known, with about 350 species documented, as few locations have been sampled for ants. Habitat loss, fragmentation, & the introduction of invasive ant species are the biggest threats to the ant fauna of the region.]