Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Formicidae in Small Watersheds of Loess Hilly Regions

TL;DR

This study explores how ants are distributed in a small watershed in China's Loess Hilly Region and identifies environmental factors influencing their presence.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel integration of spatial statistical methods to analyze ant distribution and its environmental drivers in a specific hilly region.

Findings

Ant distribution shows significant spatial clustering (Moran’s I = 0.332; p < 0.01).

Available phosphorus and slope positively affect ant abundance, while hydrogen peroxidase and topographic relief negatively affect it.

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns of Formicidae (ants) and their driving factors in the Jinfoping Small Watershed, located in the Loess Hilly Region of China. Using field surveys, lab analysis, and spatial statistical methods—including spatial autocorrelation analysis, ordinary least squares (OLS), and geographically weighted regression (GWR)—we found that ant distribution showed significant spatial clustering (Moran’s I = 0.332; p < 0.01). Key environmental factors influencing Formicidae populations include the available phosphorus (AP) and slope (SLP), which have positive effects, while hydrogen peroxidase (HP) and topographic relief (TR) negatively affect Formicidae abundance. The results highlight the importance of spatial heterogeneity in understanding ecosystem processes and provide valuable insights for soil ecosystem conservation. This study offers a scientific foundation for ecological management and suggests new approaches for future research on soil biodiversity.

This study takes the Jinfoping Small Watershed in the Loess Hilly Region as the research area. Through field investigation and laboratory analysis, combined with methods such as spatial autocorrelation analysis, the ordinary least squares method (OLS), and the geographically weighted regression model (GWR), it deeply explores the spatial distribution characteristics and driving factors of Formicidae in the study area. The research results are as follows: (1) Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that the distribution of Formicidae is significantly regulated by spatial dependence and has significant spatial autocorrelation (global Moran’s I = 0.332; p < 0.01). (2) The spatial visualization analysis of the GWR model reveals that soil physical and chemical properties and topographic factors have local influences on the spatial distribution of Formicidae. Available phosphorus (AP) and slope (SLP) were significantly positively correlated with the number of ants. Hydrogen peroxidase (HP) and topographic relief (TR) were significantly negatively correlated with the number of ants. This study reveals the spatial distribution pattern of Formicidae in the Loess Hilly Region and its complex relationship with environmental factors, and clarifies the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity when analyzing ecosystem processes. The research results provide a scientific basis for the protection and management of soil ecosystems, and also offer new methods and ideas for future related research.

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