Comparative Study of Ant Species Richness in Disturbed and Undisturbed Forest Habitats in Cross River State, South South Nigeria

Ants are among the most ecologically important insects, performing roles in nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and seed dispersal. Their sensitivity to habitat alteration makes them reliable bioindicators for assessing forest disturbance. Cross River State harbors some of Nigeria's last remaining lowland rainforest, where anthropogenic pressures including logging and agricultural encroachment are intensifying. This study compares ant species richness and community composition between disturbed and undisturbed forest zones in the Oban Hills sector of Cross River National Park. Pitfall traps, leaf litter samples, and Winkler extractors will be deployed at twelve sites classified as primary forest, secondary forest, or degraded farmland. Ants will be identified using taxonomic keys and expert consultation. Alpha diversity indices including species richness, evenness, and Shannon entropy will be calculated for each habitat type. A multivariate cluster analysis will assess community similarity across sites. This research addresses a knowledge gap regarding invertebrate diversity responses to forest loss in Cross River State. Findings are expected to show significantly lower species richness in degraded habitats and a shift toward generalist species in disturbed zones. The results will support conservation planning for Cross River National Park's buffer zones and inform recommendations to the National Park Service. Keywords: ant diversity, forest disturbance, Cross River State, bioindicators, habitat comparison