Abstract
While the key role of termites in the decomposition of litter in the tropics has been acknowledged for a long time, much less information exists on their importance in the recycling of dung of primary consumers, especially herbivores. A review of published studies shows that a diverse group of termites (at least 126 species) has been reported to feed on a wide range of mammalian dung (18 species). Predominantly, wood-feeding and polyphagous wood-litter feeding species were found to feed also frequently on dung. Moreover, we found that termites can quickly remove large amounts of mammalian dung, especially in the dry season, when on average about 1/3 of the dung deposited in a given habitat is removed by termites within one month (with the highest rates observed in savannas). No distinctive preference for mammalian dung over other organic food sources was observed for fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae), whereas the majority of the non-fungus growing taxa studied prefer dung over other food. As termites bring large quantities of dung below the soil surface, disturb and enrich soils with nutrients, dung feeding by termites appears to be a previously underestimated process important in the functioning of tropical ecosystems.
Highlights
Termites are widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with the highest diversity found in tropical forests (Eggleton, 2000)
From an autecological point of view, we found a previously underestimated diversity of termite taxa feeding on a wide range of mammalian dung
We conclude that termites remove substantial quantities of mammalian dung and associated soil, over a relatively short period mainly in the dry season
Summary
Termites are widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with the highest diversity found in tropical forests (Eggleton, 2000). Johnson & Whitford (1975) studied the foraging behaviour of unidentified subterranean termites in the Chihuahuan desert and found that Yucca elata logs and cattle dung, which have a large surface area in contact with the soil, were preferred over small twigs and surface litter.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
