MonitAnt
MonitAnt is a Europe-wide citizen science initiative inviting citizens to help monitor the distribution of red wood ants (mound-building Formica species). By combining field observations and photographs with modern mobile tools, the project documents nest locations, nest structure, colony health, and the many small organisms living inside the nests.
Aim
Red wood ants are keystone species that enrich soils, disperse seeds, support many myrmecophiles organisms, and naturally control pest insects. Because they react quickly to environmental changes, they serve as strong bioindicators of forest health. However, they are threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, climate change, and land-use shifts. MonitAnt aims to map where these ants thrive, understand how colonies change over time, and support conservation efforts by improving knowledge of their habitats and ecological roles.
How to participate
While walking in forests, edges, clearings or along trails, look out for mound nests. When you find one, observe the ants, note their activity, take multiple photos, and submit your observation via the submission tools.
About funding
Funding bodies: Biodiversa
