Termites Distribution and Diversity in Different Land Uses in Mozambique: Implications for Management

Abstract

Termites play an important ecological role in ecosystems, mainly as decomposers. However, some species under certain conditions may become pests, causing damage in forests and cultivated fields. Termites are associated with native forests, forest plantations and croplands. Despite this, information regarding taxonomy, management, economic and ecological termite impacts for these land uses categories is not widely known. This study aimed to assess termite’s distribution, incidence, damage, diversity, and affinity in different land use categories. In circular 0.28ha plots in native vegetation and croplands and 1ha rectangular plots in forest plantations, termites capture was performed and, tree infestation assessed by visual inspection. Plot allocation was random-stratified by land use category. Twenty-one termite species, from nine genera and two families (Termitidae and Rhinotermitidae) were found. Of these species, fourteen, thirteen, ten and nine were respectively associated with miombo woodlands, fallow, cultivated areas and forest plantations, suggesting that species richness decreases with increasing habitat disturbance. Termite incidence is highest in plantation forests, followed by native woodlands, fallow and croplands. In forests, fallow areas, and croplands, damage severity was low, while in forest plantations it ranged from low to moderate. These results suggest that in miombo woodlands, fallow areas, and croplands, termite incidence does not necessarily imply economic damage. Economic losses in <i>Eucalyptus</i> plantations reach up to US$ 542.13/ha, reducing with increased plantation age, reaching 1.77 m³/ha in plantations two years old or less, and 0.73 m³/ha in 6-year age plantations. Efforts to combat termites are needed at early plantation stages.