Distribution patterns of ant species on northwest slope of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

In this study, the distribution patterns of ant species were investigated using plot-sampling method on the vertical zone from Tanggula Pass at an altitude of 5243 m to Aydingköl Lake of Turpan at -150 m on the northwest slope of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. A total of 26 species belonging to 12 genera and 2 subfamilies of Formicidae were recorded. 4 species, Cataglyphis aenescens (Nylander), Formica clara Forel, Cardiocondyla koshewnikovi Ruzsky and Tetramorium caespitum (Linnaeus), had a wide vertical distribution range and ecological adaptability, which can be used as indicator species to monitor the ecological environment changes of the northwest slope of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, while the range of ecological adaptation of other ant species was relatively narrow. Ant species in Populus forest were particularly diverse (16 species). Most species foraged on the ground (22 species) and nest in the soil (21 species). It was concluded that the distribution pattern of ant species was influenced by factors such as altitude, climate, and vegetation richness, and most ant species were highly habitat-dependent. The destroy or disappearance of the habits they depend on will easily lead to their partial extinction. Therefore, the different vegetation types and ant diversity at different altitudes in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau ecosystem should be well-protected to maintain its water, soil and biodiversity conservation functions. Although the species diversity of ants on the northwest slope of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau was low, the species in this area showed good cold and drought resistance compared with other areas, which played an important role in soil improvement and plant seed dispersal in plateau ecosystem.