This study's objective was to determine if ant species could be used as indicators of rangeland condition in the Mojave Desert. Data was collected at different distances from cattle (Bos taurus) water tanks to determine how cattle grazing impacts the structure and composition of ant communities. The effects of cattle grazing were prominent at the water tank where shrub cover, perennial succulent vegetation, dead standing vegetation, and annual grass coverage were reduced, as well as bare patches being twice as large as those at further distances from the water tank. Cattle grazing influenced the ant community through changes in relative abundance of certain species, genera, and functional groups. Ant species presence or absence was not impacted by cattle. Organic debris appeared to be the important factor for ant abundance, followed by cover of perennial grasses, annual forbs, and shrubs. Relying on ant communities as indicators of rangeland health is not a reliable management method since the impacts of cattle grazing on ant communities was most evident at the water tank, where grazing was severe and little difference occurred between the three distances from the water tank.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.