Influence of Coal Industry Enterprises on Biodiversity (on the Example of Formicidae)

Abstract

The fauna, the population density and the types of ants' nests on the territory affected by the coal industry have been studied. It has been found that the level of environmental contamination influences all the indicators: the minimum indices of density, 1-2 species of ants and only underground nests near the pollution sources. On the contrary, in the areas with a weak influence of coal enterprises, 9 species with a maximum density of up to 15.2 nests / m2 have been observed with predominance of nests in the form of earthen mounds. Lasius niger are the most resistant to pollution, while the Myrmica do not stand such an impact.