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Magnitude of the termite problem and its potential anthropogenic causes in N akasongola district of U ganda
Author(s) -
Mugerwa Swidiq
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
grassland science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.388
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1744-697X
pISSN - 1744-6961
DOI - 10.1111/grs.12087
Subject(s) - rangeland , predation , overgrazing , ecology , ecosystem , vegetation (pathology) , litter , grassland , environmental science , geography , agroforestry , biology , grazing , medicine , pathology
Located in central U ganda, the grasslands of N akasongola face devastation of herbaceous vegetation by subterranean termites. Reduction in the preferred food of termites (plant litter), and loss of their natural predators and parasites are known to be major factors contributing to the damage imposed by termites on grassland vegetation. This review analyzes the situation with respect to termites in the area to draw the attention of ecologists, conservationists, policy makers and farmers, to the current and future threats of subterranean termites to the functioning and sustainability of this ecosystem. The suppressive effect of anthropogenic activities on termites' food resources, populations of natural enemies and the resultant escalation in termite populations is discussed. I hypothesize that tree cutting, overgrazing and overhunting are reducing the food resources and predator populations and, consequently, are enhancing the current destructive behavior of termites in the rangelands of U ganda. It is suggested that intervention for sustainable management of termites in the area should consider restoring their natural food sources and predators to reestablish the ecological equilibrium between termites and other components of the ecosystem.