Distribution and genetics of non-native ants; impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.
One of the ongoing threats to ecosystems is the occurrence and spread of non-native species. Because of this, our team is evaluating the risks posed by invasive ants in Mexico and Papua New Guinea by documenting non-native ant species. In doing this, we are assembling a database of occurrence records and developing resources with information on the biology and control management of ants introduced to Mexico. For selected species, we use molecular-genetic methods to reconstruct their invasion history.
This research is in collaboration with the Global Ant Biodiversity Informatics (www.antmaps.org) (GABI) initiative and with Conabio, MX (www.conabio.mx).
