Developing a Range Prediction for the Imperiled Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius) using Species Distribution Modeling

Author

• Noah WilliamsonFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Biological Sciences BS

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Kayla Stan

Second Advisor

Dr. Kaitlin Baudier

Advisor Department

Geography and Geology; Biological Sciences

Abstract

The Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius) was once widespread and commonplace throughout the sandhills of the Southeastern United States, providing key ecosystem services, such as seed dispersal and soil aeration. Over recent decades, however, Florida Harvester Ant populations have declined in some areas. Current literature postulates that Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), and the insecticides used to manage them, as well as further human encroachment onto their habitat, all likely contributed to Florida Harvester Ant population declines. Thus, to better protect these organisms, pursue data-driven conservation efforts, and guide management practices, more information about their nest site selection, as well as current range, is necessary. Through this study, a state-wide survey of P. badius was conducted to identify and document locations of active colonies. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were then developed, based on surveyed and historical presence data combined with environmental factors, to predict the current distribution of the Florida Harvester Ant, with a particular focus on their presence in Mississippi, the westernmost edge of its range. Outputs from the model aim to provide insight into the current range and distribution trends of P. badius, laying the groundwork for further study on the species.

Comments

Blanket Permission for Future Readers: Uncertain, please contact me with future requests at the following NON-USM email address: noahcwilliamson1@gmail.com

Copyright

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Recommended Citation

Williamson, Noah, "Developing a Range Prediction for the Imperiled Florida Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex badius) using Species Distribution Modeling" (2026). Honors Theses. 1121.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/1121