The impact of edge effect on termite community (Blattodea: Isoptera) in fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.

C S Almeida,D F Florencio,E J M Ribeiro,A P A Araújo,N G Cruz,E A Silva,P F Cristaldo,D A Costa

doi:10.1590/1519-6984.17815

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the biggest threats to tropical ecosystem functioning. In this region, termites perform an important ecological role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers. In the present study, we tested whether termite community is negatively affected by edge effects on three fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Termite abundance and vegetation structure were sampled in 10 transects (15 × 2 m), while termite richness, activity, and soil litter biomass were measured in 16 quadrants (5 × 2 m) at forest edge and interior of each fragment. Habitat structure (i.e. number of tree, diameter at breast height and soil litter biomass) did not differ between forest edge and interior of fragments. Termite richness, abundance and activity were not affected by edge effect. However, differences were observed in the β diversity between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled. The β diversity partitioning indicates that species turnover is the determinant process of termite community composition under edge effect. Our results suggest that conservation strategies should be based on the selection of several distinct sites instead of few rich sites (e.g. nesting).

Highlights

Habitat fragmentation is one of the main anthropogenic threats leading to changes in biotic communities (Leidner et al, 2010)
Number and size (DBH) of trees did not differ with fragment size as well as between forest edge and interior
Termite species composition differed between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled

Summary

Introduction

Habitat fragmentation is one of the main anthropogenic threats leading to changes in biotic communities (Leidner et al, 2010). Area reduction from habitat fragmentation enhances edge effects - characterized by an increase in the incidence of light, temperature, winds and a reduction of humidity (Laurance, 2004). This process changes vegetational structure and microclimate conditions between forest edge and interior affecting directly the communities structure of animals The activity of termites on soil indirectly allows the establishment and maintenance of other species at a local scale (Redford, 1984; Pringle et al, 2010; Beaudrot et al, 2011), make them “ecosystem engineers” (see Jones et al, 1994)

Methods

Results

Conclusion