Does the size of termite mounds affect chances of fire survival? A study of two southern African mound-building termite (Termitidae) species

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe effect of fire on insects is an under-researched area of ecology, especially in southern Africa. This study focusing on two termite species, Trinervitermes trinervoides and Amitermes sp., aims to determine whether fire survival in termites is related to mound size. 207 termite mounds were sampled across four sites on the periphery of a semi-urban area in Makhanda, South Africa. Each sampling site consisted of a pair of plots, either recently burnt (< 1 year or ~2 years since fire) or unburnt (> 2 years since fire). Mound type, dimensions, the presence of termites and termite species were recorded. Live mounds were significantly larger than dead mounds at both burnt and unburnt plots. For at least one termite species, there was a strong relationship between survivorship and size class of mounds at burnt plots but not at unburnt plots, suggesting that mound size plays a role in fire survival.