Effects of anthropogenic disturbance and seasonality on alpha diversity of ant–plant interaction networks in Mexican temperate forests

The diversity of interspecific interactions is a key part of biodiversity, but its response to anthropogenic disturbance and seasonal changes remains poorly understood. We explored the effects of habitat disturbance (from oak forest to induced pasture) and seasonality (dry vs. rainy) on the alpha diversity and evenness of ant–plant interaction networks in two temperate forests of central Mexico. Over three years, we conducted observations of ant–plant interactions monthly in La Malinche National Park and Flor del Bosque State Park, constructed quantitative networks based on interaction frequency. Using Hill numbers, we calculated alpha interaction diversity and evenness, analyzing both individual sites and pooled data. Disturbance significantly reduced interaction diversity for dominant interactions (q = 2) in both sites and reduced evenness in Flor del Bosque. Seasonal differences were evident, with higher alpha interaction diversity during the rainy season, particularly in the induced pasture in La Malinche and in the oak forest in Flor del Bosque. Evenness was higher during the dry season in the oak forest in Flor del Bosque. The same tendencies were observed when the data were pooled. Our results suggest that the disturbance and seasonal resource shifts simplify interaction networks, potentially affecting ecosystem functioning. This highlights the importance of considering interaction-level processes in biodiversity and conservation strategies.