Checklist of Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Species from Nyungwe Tropical Rain Forest, South-Western Rwanda

A comprehensive checklist of ant species from Nyungwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South-Western Rwanda, reveals remarkable biodiversity with 74 identified species, including nine genera and 43 species recorded for the first time in Rwanda. The study, conducted across seven sites using diverse sampling methods such as pitfall traps, arboreal traps, baiting, and hand searching, highlights Myrmicinae as the most diverse subfamily. Notably, 13 potential undescribed ant species were also identified, underscoring the park's ecological significance. High species richness was observed in secondary forest sites like Karamba (53 species) and Pindura (33 species), suggesting these areas may serve as critical habitats for ant diversity. The findings advocate for further intensive sampling across Rwanda to fully understand its tropical rainforest ant fauna.

Nsengimana, V., Hagenimana, T., Barakagwira, J., de Dieu Nsenganeza, J., Iradukunda, S. C., Majyambere, M., Kizungu, O. B., Nkundimana, A., Umutoni, D., Fabrice, R., Cyubahiro, B., Kouakou, L. M., Kolo, Y., Anale, J. S., Gómez, K., & Dekoninck, W. (2023). Checklist of Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Species from Nyungwe Tropical Rain Forest, South-Western Rwanda. Journal of East African Natural History, 111(2). https://doi.org/10.2982/028.111.0203