Application of remote sensing indices in determining the interrelation between condition of tree stands and myrmecofauna in forests of Wigry National Park

Presented work is aimed at investigating potential correlations between remote sensing vegetation indices and local ant populations. Research was conducted in summer of 2017 in Wigry National Park in two types of forest habitats: coniferous (Serratulo-Pinetum) and deciduous (Tilio-Carpinetum). NDVI and MCARI2 vegetation indices were measured with the use of a drone and yielded comparable correlations with ant-related quantities. We determined that the presence of ants from Formica group is positively correlated with vegetation indices, while the correlation between Myrmica and Lasius ants and vegetation indices is more complex.