ON TERMITARIA IN A SAVANNA ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

During the course of a quantitative phytosociological analysis of the vegetation of the Northern Rupununi Savanna, British Guiana, the termitaria were measured by the Quarter Method of the Wisconsin School in a manner similar to that for trees. The ecological distribution of the termitaria was found to be correlated with quantitative expressions of the vegetation and the environmental factors. The termites impoverish the surrounding soils by concentrating soil nutrients into their termitaria. They reduce the plant cover and decrease the water-retaining capacity of the soils. Termites are shown to be an integral part of the savanna ecosystem. Termites may aid the growth of woody plants by improving the drainage and allowing the growth of the roots of phreatophytes through a hard pan. Termitaria, termites, and their effects on the soil and the vegetation are briefly discussed in general. Also presented are a chart of the savanna ecosystem and an extensive bibliography.