Wood Ants in the Białowieża Forest and Factors Affecting their Distribution

Coniferous forests with an admixture of deciduous trees provide optimal conditions for maintaining wood-ant populations, according to a study conducted in the Białowieża Forest (NE Poland). The research found that Formica polyctena and F. rufa were the most abundant species, with their mound densities highest in fresh mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. Mound size and proximity to trees were significantly influenced by light conditions: larger mounds and greater distances from trees were observed with increasing shade. The study surveyed 1400 ha of forest, analyzing physical mound characteristics and their relation to surrounding forest properties.

Sondej, I., Domisch, T., Finér, L., & Czechowski, W. (2018). Wood Ants in the Białowieża Forest and Factors Affecting their Distribution. Annales Zoologici Fennici, 55(1-3), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.5735/086.055.0110