Removal of diaspores by ants: What factors to evaluate?

Ants act as important agents in the secondary dispersion of diaspores in natural and degraded habitats, but few studies evaluate factors that influence the removal of diaspores. The present study aimed to evaluate the removal of diaspores by ants, relating the removal to: 1) assemblage factors of the diaspore-removing ants (distance and number of nests from the source of artificial diaspores) and 2) intrinsic factors of the diaspore-removing species (identity of the species, removal time by the species and distance from its nest to the source of artificial diaspores). The study was conducted in areas of Cerrado, where we measured the distances traveled by the ants between the diaspore source and the entrance to their nests, quantified the nests in each area and recorded the removal time by individuals of each species. We identified 42 nests that ranged from 0.35 to 15.32 m in distance from diaspore sources and belonged to 11 species of ants. Of the evaluated factors, only those intrinsic to each species, identity of species (Ectatomma edentatum) and distance of the nest influenced the removal of the diaspores. Thus, a given factor can influence removal depending on the perspective evaluated, considering the entire assemblage or only those intrinsic to the diaspore-removing species. This highlights the importance of conducting a more complete evaluation of the aspects related to the assemblage and the identity of diaspore-removing species that may contribute to the success of diaspore removal by ants., Directing efforts on which factors related to removal should be prioritized in assessments of the performance of this ecological process can contribute to a more effective monitoring of the dispersion of diaspores. This information is essential to advance and direct efforts in management actions aimed at the conservation, restoration and monitoring of degraded areas thar make use of de ecological processes carried out by ants.