Termite functional diversity along an elevational gradient in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Termites are dominant invertebrates in tropical environments and are important intermediate species of decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. The study aimed to characterize how termite richness and feeding group diversity vary along an elevational gradient in the Brazilian savanna. Termites were sampled within a standardized 100 × 2 m transect at undisturbed Cerrado sites along an elevational gradient from 210 to 600 m asl. Termite diversity declined with the increase in elevation in the Serra de Maracaju, with an elevation range of 400 m and strong undulated relief. Higher elevations cause a significant decrease in the number of grass-litter-feeding species and Syntermitinae species, associated with more acidic soils with lower saturation by exchangeable bases. Beta and, especially, alpha diversity at plot level were responsible for the observed diversity of almost all groups, except for wood-feeders. Our results suggest a greater change in termite taxonomic and functional diversities at a lower elevational gradient than at high elevations. Finally, this study gives some insights that even in a rockier physiognomy, probably with fewer resources to be explored the termite diversities was still higher than in a pasture area at lower elevations.