Project 1 - Ants: Taxonomic and Evolutionary Studies of a Hyperdiverse Fauna

This project will provide information on one of Australia’s most iconic groups of animals, the ants. Ants are exceptionally diverse and occur throughout Australia, often in very high densities. While all ants are being studied, special emphasis is being placed on the genera Camponotus, Iridomyrmex and Monomorium, which are some of the most species rich, ecologically important, abundant and taxonomically challenging groups of Australian ants.

Challenges

Ants are one of the most abundant and obvious terrestrial animal groups in Australia and yet they are biologically and taxonomically very poorly understood. This missing information is essential for conservation agencies and other organizations working in the areas of conservation priority setting, planning, monitoring, and management. This project provides a broad range of high quality and accurate biological data in the most efficient and rapid way possible.

Seeking solutions

This project uses a broad range of scientific methods to increase our understanding and appreciation of these ubiquitous insects. These methods include both traditional morphological approaches as well as cutting-edge molecular methods. Combined, these methods provide the tools necessary to increase our understanding of these important invertebrates.

Benefits

By providing tools for identification and information on general and specific biology, this project will allow ants to contribute to a wide range of studies from biodiversity surveys and ecological monitoring projects to studies of climate change and evolution.