This video follows conservation biologist Leeanne Alonso as she surveys ant species in Gorongosa National Park to monitor the health of the park’s ecosystems.

Although conservation often focuses on large animals, ants play important roles in many ecosystems. They are also very sensitive to changes in the environment and can alert scientists to disturbances. Alonso, a former student of renowned biologist E.O. Wilson, is cataloguing the different species of ants in Gorongosa National Park. She is part of a team of scientists surveying Gorongosa’s biodiversity to establish a species census and monitor the ongoing recovery of the park. As shown in the video, Alonso uses various methods to find and identify ant species, as well as the ecosystem services these insects provide.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.