Ants response to mining prospection disturbances across vegetation zones in tropical mountain chains of Mount Nimba, Guinea, West Africa

Ant communities in tropical mountain chains, particularly those in Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, show significant resilience to early mining disturbances but are more vulnerable in forest habitats. A study comparing ant richness and species composition across three vegetation zones—highland meadows, transition savannahs, and altitudinal forests—revealed that while meadows and savannahs remained relatively stable between mining prospecting sites and nearby undisturbed areas (World Heritage Sites), forest habitats exhibited notable differences. Despite variations in weather and soil variables, such as soil pH, vegetation structure emerged as the primary factor influencing ant assemblage composition. This finding underscores the critical role of native forest protection and rehabilitation in successful mine site restoration efforts.

Yeo, K., Kouakou, L. M. M., Touao, M. K., Gauze, E., Ouattara, K., & Soro, A. N. (2019). Ants response to mining prospection disturbances across vegetation zones in tropical mountain chains of Mount Nimba, Guinea, West Africa. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 13(2), 899. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v13i2.26