Strongylognathus foreli
VU

Strongylognathus foreli

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Strongylognathus foreli faces severe population declines due to habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in its specialized alpine and subalpine environments. The species' obligate social parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable, as it depends entirely on specific host ant species (primarily Tetramorium species) for colony establishment and survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate ecological balance between this slave-making ant and its hosts, potentially disrupting synchronized life cycles and reducing available habitat at higher elevations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Strongylognathus foreli inhabits alpine and subalpine grasslands, rocky slopes, and meadows at elevations typically between 1,000-2,500 meters in the European Alps and surrounding mountain ranges. The species requires specific microhabitats with suitable host ant colonies and appropriate soil conditions for nest construction in areas with sparse vegetation cover.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Strongylognathus foreli classified as Vulnerable?
Strongylognathus foreli 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. Strongylognathus foreli faces severe population declines due to habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in its specialized alpine and subalpine environments. The species' obligate social parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable, as it depends entirely on specific host ant species (primarily Tetramorium species) for colony establishment and survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate ecological balance between this slave-making ant and its hosts, potentially disrupting synchronized life cycles and reducing available habitat at higher elevations.
Where does Strongylognathus foreli live?
Strongylognathus foreli occurs in Tunisia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Strongylognathus foreli?
The main threats to Strongylognathus foreli 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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