Ant diversity (Hymenoptera: formicidae) in cocoa orchards following an age gradient in the haut-sassandra region (Côte d’Ivoire)

Cocoa farming is the main cause of deforestation in Côte d'Ivoire, with dramatic side-effects for ecosystems and biodiversity. These consequences also affect ants, which play a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to soil bioturbation, the regulation of phytophagous insects and the accidental pollination of flowers. In this context, it is very important to understand the effects of cocoa-based cropping systems on ant diversity in the ecosystems of the Haut-Sassandra. Cultural practices have an impact on the ant population present in these environments. The aim of this study was to identify the ant species present in cocoa plantations and to determine the influence of the age gradient of cocoa orchards on ant communities. A total of 79 species were identified. They belonged to 25 genera and 5 sub-families in the plantations in the different localities. The Pitfall method gave the highest abundance in Daloa and Issia. As for Vavoua and Zoukougbeu, the baiting methods gave the highest abundances. The species Oecophylla longinoda dominated all the plots. This approach provides essential information for the sustainable management of cocoa plantations, taking into account the complex ecological interactions that exist between crops, biodiversity and agricultural practices.