Do trees benefit from nutrient-rich patches created by leaf-cutting ants?

A study in a remnant of cerrado vegetation in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, was carried out to investigate the possible role of leaf-cutting ants in the cr eation of nutrient-rich patches and their consequent influence on plant est ablishment and growth. The results showed that leaf-cutting ants had neithe r detectable effect on local nutrient enrichment nor on plant community str ucture. It is suggested that leaf-cutting ants may affect early successiona l stages of the vegetation, when colonies are more abundant and disperse in to the habitat.