Preliminary results of the monitoring of protected red wood ants in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria

A recent eight-year monitoring study in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria, revealed significant changes in the nest density of red wood ant species, with Formica rufa and F. pratensis showing declines in some areas, likely due to increased habitat shading. The research, conducted across three sites including the Parangalitza Biosphere Reserve and the Rila Monastery region, identified four species: F. rufa (most abundant), F. lugubris, F. pratensis, and F. exsecta. Using transect sampling in 2014 and 2022, the study marked 35 nests initially and 76 nests later, highlighting the need for continued monitoring to assess population trends and the effectiveness of conservation measures.

Antonova, V., Kyonev, D., & Marinov, M. (2024). Preliminary results of the monitoring of protected red wood ants in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. Historia Naturalis Bulgarica, 46(10), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.48027/hnb.46.101