Termite mound density and distribution patterns across three land‐use types in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of land‐use on density and distribution patterns of termite mounds. A total area of 12 ha was investigated using four 1 ha plots from each of three land‐use types (mango orchards, maize fields and communal rangelands). A total of 297 mounds from four termite species were recorded. Plotted GIS coordinates for each mound in ArcMap showed a random distribution pattern in all land‐use types. The mean number of mounds per hectare was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in communal rangelands (52.5 ± 1.21), than in maize fields (14.75 ± 3.15) and mango orchards (7.5 ± 0.87), and dominated by small‐sized mounds of Trinervitermes sp. Few mounds of Odontotermes sp. were found. Mounds of the edible termites, Macrotermes natalensis and M. falciger, were found in all land‐use types, with the highest density for both species being in maize fields. Although the mound height for both species was similar, mound circumference for M. falciger was significantly larger (p < 0.001) which may limit land available for agricultural use. Density of mounds was influenced by land‐use which may lead to changes in termite ecosystem functioning and availability of termites as a free source of protein.