Epimyrma africana
VU

Epimyrma africana

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temnothorax

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Epimyrma africana faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its limited range in southern Africa. As a socially parasitic ant species dependent on specific host ant colonies, it is particularly vulnerable to ecosystem disruption that affects both the parasite and its hosts. Agricultural expansion and urban development have fragmented the woodland and savanna habitats essential for maintaining stable host-parasite relationships.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits woodland and savanna ecosystems in southern Africa, where it maintains its parasitic relationship with specific host ant species. The ant requires stable, undisturbed habitats that can support both its own colonies and the host species upon which it depends for survival.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Epimyrma africana classified as Vulnerable?
Epimyrma africana is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Epimyrma africana faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its limited range in southern Africa. As a socially parasitic ant species dependent on specific host ant colonies, it is particularly vulnerable to ecosystem disruption that affects both the parasite and its hosts. Agricultural expansion and urban development have fragmented the woodland and savanna habitats essential for maintaining stable host-parasite relationships.
Where does Epimyrma africana live?
Epimyrma africana occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Epimyrma africana?
The main threats to Epimyrma africana are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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