Ants of Imlili Sebkha, a Wetland Habitat Island in Southern Morocco with New Records for the Region

Abstract

The Imlili Sebkha, a 20 km2 wetland habitat surrounded by desert in southern Morocco, represents a unique ecological island hosting a diverse fauna, yet its terrestrial invertebrates, particularly ants, remain under-documented. This study aims to provide the first survey of the ant fauna in this isolated environment. During a brief survey in the northwestern Sebkha, we identified thirteen species, with twelve likely native and one non-native, Trichomyrmex mayri, introduced possibly through human activity. Notably, Camponotus sericeus and T. mayri represent new records for Morocco, expanding the known distribution of these species within the Sahara Desert. Our findings underscore the importance of the Imlili Sebkha for biodiversity conservation in arid zones, while highlighting the ecological risks posed by invasive species, grazing, and tourism. Conservation measures are essential to preserve this distinctive ecosystem's integrity and biodiversity.