Ants and Birds: Unveiling the Ecological Connection

A study by the Indian Institute of Science reveals that the presence of Oecophylla ants at mid-elevations influences bird species diversity. The ants' competitive behavior potentially pushes insect-eating birds to higher altitudes. This pattern might shift further due to climate change, impacting bird species diversity in the future.

A groundbreaking study from the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has unveiled a new factor influencing bird species diversity at mid-elevations: the presence of Oecophylla ants.

According to Kartik Shanker, Professor at CES and co-author of the study, published in 'Ecology Letters,' biotic interactions like competition, specifically with Oecophylla ants, have been overlooked until now. These ants, dominant aggressive predators found in the paleotropics, impact insect-eating bird species diversity at lower mountains.

The researchers, led by Umesh Srinivasan, Assistant Professor at CES, utilized datasets capturing bird species across varying mountain elevations. Their findings revealed that Oecophylla ants' presence correlates with higher insect-eating bird diversity at around 960 meters, hinting at the ants' competitive role. With climate change potentially shifting ant ranges upwards, higher elevation bird diversity might also be affected.

(With inputs from agencies.)