International Journal of Insect and Animal Diversity Research

Background: Invertebrates such as ants are important bioindicators of ecological systems. 
Objective: The distribution, abundance and activity of a predatory ant Megaponera analis was explored in Sengwa wildlife research area, Chirisa Safari Area in Zimbabwe. 
Methods: The study used M. analis sightings (presence location) data derived from road transect surveys in six major vegetation habitats from April 2025 to March 2026. The surveys were conducted from 0530am to 1830pm. Access roads passing through major vegetation types were traverse by a vehicle at 15km per hour. 
Results: The ant species was mostly observed in Mopane and Miombo woodlands. However, no statistically significant differences in ant abundance were noted across different vegetation (habitat) types. Habitat suitability of M.analis is influenced by land cover (40%-weighted score), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) (20%), Soil Moisture Index (SMI) (15%), Slope (10%) while Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI) (7%) and distance from roads (7%) had least contribution. The ant colonies were associated with habitat mostly within the altitudinal range of 840m to 950m. Ants were active in the morning and evening hours indicating the sensitivity nature of the species to high daytime temperatures. The most observed activity of the species was hunting termites. 
Conclusion: Aside from determining baseline on the species, the results of this study have ecological research and monitoring utility as the species they provide baseline information on the status of termites its major prey and act as bioindicator environmental change.