THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCE ON ANT (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) COMMUNITIES: A MULTI-METHOD ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT IN FIAPRE-SUNYANI, GHANA

Abstract

Description This manuscript evaluates the ecological impacts of land clearance and habitat fragmentation on macro-arthropod community structures within the transitional semi-deciduous forest-savanna zone of Fiapre-Sunyani, Ghana. Utilizing a frequency-weighted matrix of 591 ant specimens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) distributed across five distinct morphospecies, the study maps taxonomic shifts across three precise, GPS-logged human disturbance gradients. Alpha diversity trends are mathematically evaluated using Shannon-Weiner (H') and Simpson (1-D) indices, alongside an inferential Pearson Chi-Square (χ²) Test of Independence to expose operational sampling errors across four standard entomological trapping techniques (pitfalls, protein baits, sugar baits, and hand sweeps). The results demonstrate that habitat clearance causes severe population polarization favoring sun-tolerant generalists while completely displacing forest specialists. Furthermore, the data reveals significant taxonomic capture biases tied directly to trap types, validating that multi-method inventory layouts are mandatory to prevent severe underestimations of biodiversity during tropical environmental impact surveys and regional conservation planning.