scholarly journals Termite Diversity in Ecuador: A Comparison of Two Primary Forest National Parks

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia A L Dahlsjö ◽  
Cynthia S Valladares Romero ◽  
Carlos-Iván Espinosa Iñiguez
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Comparable Data ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
Feeding Group ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Termite Ecology ◽  
Group Diversity

Abstract Termites are one of the key ecosystem engineers in tropical forests where they play a major role in decomposition rates, both above and belowground. The interest in termite ecology and biogeography has increased in the last few decades; however, the lack of comparable data has limited the wider impact of termite research. For Ecuador, termite studies are relatively rare and comparable data that are collected using standardized sampling methods are missing. In this study, we aim to 1) provide comparable data of termite species and feeding-group diversity from two primary forests in Ecuador and 2) explore the differences in termite species and feeding-group diversity between the two forest sites. Sampling took place in the national parks of Yasuní and Podocarpus where three belt transects (100 × 2 m) following Jones and Eggleton (2000) were conducted in each forest. We found that termite species richness was higher in Yasuní (56 species) than in Podocarpus (24 species) and that 57% of the sampled termite genera had never previously been recorded in Ecuador. The inter-site species dissimilarity was almost complete (Bray Curtis (±SD), 0.91 ± 0.01), which may have been linked to the difference in tree density and species richness in the two forests. Termite feeding-groups diversity was significantly higher in Yasuní than in Podocarpus with the exception of soil-feeding termites which may have been due to competition between humus- and soil-feeding species.

scholarly journals Haiti’s biodiversity threatened by nearly complete loss of primary forest

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (46) ◽  
pp. 11850-11855 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Blair Hedges ◽  
Warren B. Cohen ◽  
Joel Timyan ◽  
Zhiqiang Yang
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Mass Extinction ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Primary Forests ◽  
Agricultural Organization

Tropical forests hold most of Earth’s biodiversity. Their continued loss through deforestation and agriculture is the main threat to species globally, more than disease, invasive species, and climate change. However, not all tropical forests have the same ability to sustain biodiversity. Those that have been disturbed by humans, including forests previously cleared and regrown (secondary growth), have lower levels of species richness compared with undisturbed (primary) forests. The difference is even greater considering extinctions that will later emanate from the disturbance (extinction debt). Here, we find that Haiti has less than 1% of its original primary forest and is therefore among the most deforested countries. Primary forest has declined over three decades inside national parks, and 42 of the 50 highest and largest mountains have lost all primary forest. Our surveys of vertebrate diversity (especially amphibians and reptiles) on mountaintops indicates that endemic species have been lost along with the loss of forest. At the current rate, Haiti will lose essentially all of its primary forest during the next two decades and is already undergoing a mass extinction of its biodiversity because of deforestation. These findings point to the need, in general, for better reporting of forest cover data of relevance to biodiversity, instead of “total forest” as defined by the United Nation’s Food and Agricultural Organization. Expanded detection and monitoring of primary forest globally will improve the efficiency of conservation measures, inside and outside of protected areas.

scholarly journals Frequência, diversidade e composição da fauna de cupins (Blattodea: Isoptera) em diferentes sistemas de uso do solo no sudoeste do Amazonas, Brasil

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agno Nonato Serrão Acioli
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Agricultural Crops ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
Land Use Systems ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis Jacq

Resumo. Os cupins são importantes decompositores da matéria de origem vegetal. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e comparar a diversidade e composição das espécies de cupins em três diferentes sistemas de uso do solo na região do Alto Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil. Os cupins foram coletados na floresta primária, em cultivos de dendê (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) e mandioca (Manihot sculenta Crantz). Em cada área selecionada as coletas foram realizadas dentro de um transecto retangular medindo 100 m x 2 m, subdivididos em 20 parcelas de 5 m x 2 m. Foram encontradas 24 espécies de cupins, pertencentes a 14 gêneros e duas famílias, nos três sistemas de uso do solo. As espécies mais frequentes foram Nasutitermes cf. dendrophilus (Desneux) (28,43%), seguida de Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) (14,37%) e Anoplotermes sp. 2 (9,58%). A riqueza de espécies foi maior na floresta primária (16 espécies), seguida dos cultivos de dendê (14 espécies) e mandioca (seis espécies). A composição taxonômica e os grupos funcionais também sofreram modificações, sendo mais diversificados e equilibrados na floresta primária quando comparados com os dois tipos de cultivos. A comunidade de cupins é fortemente afetada quando ocorre a substituição da floresta primária pelos cultivos agrícolas. Neste estudo, as espécies N. cf. dendrophilus e H. tenuis merecem atenção, pois se constata o aumento de sua frequência nos cultivos de dendê e mandioca.Frequency, Diversity and Composition of Termite Fauna (Blattodea: Isoptera) in Land Use Systems in the Southwest of Amazonas, Brazil Abstract. Termites are important decomposers of matter of vegetable origin. This study aims to analyze and compare the diversity and composition of termite species in three different land use systems in Alto Solimões, Amazonas, Brazil. Termites were collected in the primary forest, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and cassava (Manihot sculenta Crantz) crops. In each area the collections were made within a rectangular transect measuring 100 m x 2 m, subdivided into 20 plots of 5 m x 2 m. Twenty four species of termites were found, belonging to 14 genera and two families. The most frequent species were Nasutitermes cf. dendrophilus (Desneux) (28.43%), Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) (14.37%) and Anoplotermes sp. 2 (9.58%). The species richness was higher in the primary forest (16 species), followed by oil palm (14 species) and cassava (six species) crops. The taxonomic composition and the functional groups were also modified, being more diversified and balanced in the primary forest than in the crops. The termite community was strongly affected when the primary forest was replaced by agricultural crops. The species N. cf. dendrophilus and H. tenuis deserve attention, it was verified the increase of their frequency in the crops.

scholarly journals Assessing the Australian Termite Diversity Anomaly: How Habitat and Rainfall Affect Termite Assemblages

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Clement ◽  
Habacuc Flores-Moreno ◽  
Lucas A. Cernusak ◽  
Alexander W. Cheesman ◽  
Abbey R. Yatsko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dead Wood ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Tropical Rainforests ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Feeding Groups ◽  
Feeding Group ◽  
Grass Litter ◽  
High Precipitation ◽  
Group Diversity

Termites are important ecosystem engineers in tropical habitats, with different feeding groups able to decompose wood, grass, litter, and soil organic matter. In most tropical regions, termite abundance and species diversity are assumed to increase with rainfall, with highest levels found in rainforests. However, in the Australian tropics, this pattern is thought to be reversed, with lower species richness and termite abundance found in rainforest than drier habitats. The potential mechanisms underlying this pattern remain unclear. We compared termite assemblages (abundance, activity, diversity, and feeding group composition) across five sites along a precipitation gradient (ranging from ∼800 to 4,000 mm annual rainfall), spanning dry and wet savanna habitats, wet sclerophyll, and lowland and upland rainforests in tropical North Queensland. Moving from dry to wet habitats, we observed dramatic decreases in termite abundance in both mounds and dead wood occupancy, with greater abundance and activity at savanna sites (low precipitation) compared with rainforest or sclerophyll sites (high precipitation). We also observed a turnover in termite species and feeding group diversity across sites that were close together, but in different habitats. Termite species and feeding group richness were highest in savanna sites, with 13 termite species from wood-, litter-, grass-, dung-, and soil-feeding groups, while only five termite species were encountered in rainforest and wet sclerophyll sites—all wood feeders. These results suggest that the Australian termite diversity anomaly may be partly driven by how specific feeding groups colonized habitats across Australia. Consequently, termites in Australian rainforests may be less important in ecosystem processes, such as carbon and nutrient cycling during decomposition, compared with termites in other tropical rainforests.

scholarly journals Termites’ diversity in a protected park of the northern Sudanian savanna of Togo (West Africa)

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 79-91
Author(s):  
Toblie Quashie Effowe ◽  
Boris Dodji Kasseney ◽  
Abdoulaye Baïla Ndiaye ◽  
Bassan Banibea Sanbena ◽  
Komina Amevoin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
New Species ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Total Organic Matter ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
Feeding Group ◽  
Group I ◽  
First Time

Termites occur in many ecosystems throughout tropical and subtropical areas. Their distribution is driven by several factors, including landscape and some soil characteristics. This study aims to determine soil organic matter’s role on termites’ diversity in a shrubby savanna park. Termites were sampled across transects in 3 sites of Galangashi park (northern part of Togo). The soil in which termites were harvested was analyzed to check organic matter’s influence on termites’ species richness. A total of 28 termite species belonging to 14 genera and 6 subfamilies were identified. Feeding group II (all fungus-growing termites, grass feeders, and wood feeders) was the most important among the three identified groups. Nine species (with two potentially new species for sciences: Amitermes sp and Eremotermes sp) were recorded for the first time in the country. A strong correlation was found between species richness, total organic matter, and total organic carbon, suggesting the influence of soil richness on termite distribution. The occurrence of the unique member of the feeding group I, Coptotermes intermedius Silvestri, 1912, as well as the occurrence of Fulleritermes tenebricus Silvestri, 1914 (both wood-dwelling termites), was certainly due to the vegetation. The relatively higher species richness as well as the correlation between the species richness and the organic matter of shrub savanna, suggest a better conservation of this landscape.

The effects of altitude and rainfall on the composition of the termites (Isoptera) of the Leuser Ecosystem (Sumatra, Indonesia)

2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
FREDRICK GATHORNE-HARDY ◽  
SYAUKANI ◽  
PAUL EGGLETON
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Altitudinal Gradient ◽  
Species Assemblage ◽  
Termite Species ◽  
Feeding Group ◽  
Rainfall Patterns ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Western Side

In 1998 a survey was made of the termites of the Leuser Ecosystem (in Sumatra, Indonesia), which includes a substantial area (c. 1 million ha) of unbroken primary rain forest. Nine sites and an altitudinal gradient were sampled. Altitude had a significant effect on species richness, which declines with even a 100-m increase in altitude. Species composition too was significantly affected by altitude. Functionally, only termites in one feeding group (II, which forage outside of their nests) were significantly affected by altitude. A mid-altitude termite species assemblage was evident. Longitude also significantly affected species composition; Macrotermitinae were numerous on the western side of the Ecosystem and Termitinae and Nasutitermitinae more numerous to the east of it. This was probably due to differences in rainfall patterns across the Ecosystem.

scholarly journals Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Two Forest Sites from Kabylia of Djurdjura, Northern Algeria

Sociobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. e6232
Author(s):  
Sadou Sid-Ali ◽  
Sadoudi Ali-Ahmed Djamila ◽  
Metna Ali-Ahmed Fatiha ◽  
Ourrad Ouiza ◽  
Slimani Said
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Local Site ◽  
Northern Algeria ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Number Of Individuals

The current study deals with the diversity of ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Kabylia of Djurdjura. It has been carried out in two forest sites from the localities of Azeffoun and Assi-Youcef, Tizi Ouzou (northern Algeria). Two sampling methods were adopted: manual capture and pitfall traps. Various community metrics were used as key elements to assess ant biodiversity within the two study sites. They included the species richness, the relative abundance, the constancy, and the Shannon-Weaver and equitability indices. Our inventory allowed identifying 24 species belonging to 12 genera and three subfamilies, which are the Myrmicinae (58%), the Formicinae (34%), and the Dolichoderinae (08%). The highest species richness was registered for the two first subfamilies, while the subfamily Dolichoderinae dominated numerically. The Site of Azeffoun, which is more submitted to human activities, recorded higher values in the number of individuals, the species richness, and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index. However, the difference between the two sites consisted mainly of the rare species, such as Crematogaster laestrygon, Goniomma sp. and Palagiolepis sp., which were present in the Azeffoun site. The local site conditions certainly have played a key role in ant species occurrence within the two study areas. Azeffoun is more disturbed than Assi-Youcef, resulting in the recruitment of much more rare and accidental species in the first site. In contrast, the rate of accessory to omnipresent species is substantially higher in Assi-Youcef, which recorded a high species evenness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the ant genus Formica in Kabylia of Djurdjura.

scholarly journals Can clearcuts increase bird species richness in managed forests?

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 189-193
Author(s):  
M. Żmihorski
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Managed Forests ◽  
Managed Forest ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Transect Counts ◽  
The Difference

Clearcuts are one of the results of forest management. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of clearcuts on bird communities in a managed forest in Western Poland. I applied the method of point transect counts. 20 points were located near clearcuts (less than 100 m from the nearest clearcut) and 25 points in the forest interior. In total, 36 bird species were recorded. On average, I found 9.20 bird species at points located near clearcuts and 6.72 species at points situated in the forest interior, and the difference was significant. The cumulative number of bird species for a given number of sampling points in the vicinity of clearcuts was higher than in the forest interior. The obtained results indicate that in managed, even-aged forests the generation of clearcuts can lead to an increase in local bird species richness.

scholarly journals Bird and mammal conservation in Gaoligongshan Region and Jingdong County, Yunnan, China: patterns of species richness and nature reserves

Oryx ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daoying Lan ◽  
Robin Dunbar
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Yunnan Province ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Present Situation ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Mammal Conservation ◽  
Latitudinal Patterns ◽  
Conservation Of Biodiversity

AbstractElevational and latitudinal patterns of species richness for birds and mammals were compared with human population density in relation to nature reserve designation in two areas of Yunnan Province, China. Results suggest that species richness is not the same for the two areas. In Gaoligongshan Region, species richness is inversely correlated with elevation and altitude, while reserve designation is positively correlated with elevation and latitude. In Jingdong County, reserve designations are positively correlated with elevation, but species richness shows no clear trends. In general, the present situation is strongly influenced by human activities. It appears that reserve designation is mismatched with species richness in Gaoligongshan Region, while there is a better fit between the two in Jingdong County. In both areas, however, it appeared that reserves were located primarily in order to reduce conflict with humans rather than to maximize conservation of biodiversity, probably because humans were responsible for forest—especially primary forest—destruction and degradation in the low-lying areas.

scholarly journals PRESERVATION OF PRIMARY FOREST CHARACTERISTICS DESPITE FRAGMENTATION AND ISOLATION IN A FOREST REMNANT FROM VIÇOSA, MG, BRAZIL1

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 985-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Gastauer ◽  
Marcos Eduardo Guerra Sobral ◽  
João Augusto Alves Meira-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Forest Patch ◽  
Diameter At Breast Height ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Forest Remnant ◽  
Primary Forests ◽  
Biotic Resources

According to its owners, the Forest of Seu Nico (FSN) from the Viçosa municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil, never has been logged and is therefore considered a primary forest. Nevertheless, the forest patch suffered impacts due to selective wood and non-timber extraction, fragmentation and isolation. Aim of this study was to test if the FSN, despite impacts, preserved characteristics of primary forests, which are elevated percentages of non-pioneer (>90%), animal-dispersed (>80 %), understory (>50%) and endemic species (~40%). For that, all trees with diameter at breast height equal or major than 3.2 cm within a plot of 100 x 100 m were identified. With 218 tree species found within this hectare, the FSN's species richness is outstanding for the region. The percentages of non-pioneer (92 %), animal-dispersed (85 %), understory (55 %) and endemic species (39.2 %) from the FSN fulfill the criteria proposed for primary forest. Therefore, we conclude that the FSN maintained its characteristics as a primary forest which highlights its importance for the conservation of biotic resources in the region, where similar fragments are lacking or not described yet.

scholarly journals COMMUNITY STRUCTURE ECHINODERMS (ASTEROIDEA, OPHIUROIDEA, ECHINOIDEA AND HOLOTHUROIDEA) IN THE MARINE NATIONAL PARK EAST SULAWESI WAKATOBI

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 357-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Yusron
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Community Structure ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Dead Coral ◽  
Evenness Index ◽  
Different Types ◽  
High Level ◽  
Richness Index

A study on Echinoderms community structure in marine national parks of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi was conducted in six locations, i.e., Waha Beach, Coastal Sombo, Beach Houses, Beach Kapota, Banakawa beach, and Umala beach in October 2013. All of the six parks were located the Wakatobi territorial waters with coordinates of 5°06'25" S and 123°124'10 E. The results showed of 18 species of echinoderms representing six different types of Asteroidea, two types of Ophiuroidea, six types of Echinoidea, and four types of Holothuroidea. Group of starfish or Asteroidea was the most prominent on seagrass area. Based on the six transects sites, it turned out that the group of starfish (Asteridea) occupied a relatively high level of species richness. From the quantitative analysis values, we obtained diversity index (H) of 1.105 in Sombu, the highest evenness index (J) of 0.989 was found in Umala, and the highest species richness index values (D) of 0.132 was obtained in kapota. It seemed that all echinoderm groups were generally like seagrass microhabitat (12 types). While, sand and dead coral habitats were only occupied by 8 (eight) echinoderm groups. Keywords: echinoderms, diversity, Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi

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