Effect of multi-stressors on ant community in coastal dunes of Gulf of Mexico

Coastal dunes have a worldwide distribution. They protect inland ecosystems and support high ecological diversity. However, dunes are fragile ecosystems and suffer from many kinds of natural and anthropogenic disturbance. In this study, we examined ant community composition and used ants as indicators to reveal the effects of multiple stresses on coastal foredunes fringing the northern Gulf of Mexico. Fourteen species were collected; Dorymyrmex flavus and Forelius mccooki were the most common species. Although disturbances didn’t affect ant richness in those habitats, species composition was influenced significantly by fragmentation, urbanization, rebuilding of dunes, oil pollution, and storm surge. We documented the switch of common species, changes of functional groups, and invasive of exotic species in stressed dune ecosystems. In addition, changed vegetation structure caused by disturbance also affected ant community. Our study emphasizes the importance of protecting the intact dune system. Data from this research provides a benchmark to examine trajectories of coastal dune ecosystem degradation or recovery.