[en] This study examines the spatial distribution patterns and morphological characteristics of Macrotermes falciger mounds in the peri-urban zone of Lubumbashi, D.R. Congo. Spatial patterns of mounds were assessed using high-resolution satellite images for 24 plots of variable size (3 to 27 ha). Soil morphological features were described for five termite-mound profiles of 5 to 9 m depth/height. A mean areal number density of 2.9 ± 0.4 mounds ha−1 is estimated for the degraded miombo woodland of the study area. Spatial statistical analyses document that termite mounds are regularly distributed in all studied plots. The overall mean nearest-neighbour distance between termite mounds is 44.6 ± 0.6 m. The high relative number of inactive mounds in the region, with regular distribution patterns, suggests that current termite mound occurrences are largely relict features.There are no clear indications for an impact of the nature of the parent material on the spatial distribution of the mounds. One aspect of differences in morphology between the studied mounds is that the stone layer occurs at greater depth in topographic low areas than at crest and slope positions. This is interpreted as being
mainlyconditionedbyerosion.Mn–Fe oxideconcentrationsoccurringinallstudiedtermite moundprofiles reflect a seasonally high perched water table beneath the mound, which is more pronounced at lower landscape positions. In summary, mound positions in the habitat are consistent with intraspecific competition rather than soil and substrate characteristics as controlling factor, whereas variation in morphological characteristics between termite-mound profiles appears to be a function of the parent material
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography Environmental sciences & ecology Agriculture & agronomy Entomology & pest control
Author, co-author :
Mujinjya, Baile Baziraké; Universiteit Gent - Ugent > Department of Geology and Soil Sciences
Adam, Marielle; Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB > Service d'écologie du paysage et systèmes de production végétale
Mees, Florias; Royal Museum for Central Africa > Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Bogaert, Jan ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Vranken, Isabelle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Forêts, Nature et Paysage > Biodiversité et Paysage
Erens, Hans; Universiteit Gent - Ugent > Department of Geology and Soil sciences
Baert, Geert; Universiteit Gent - Ugent > Department of Geology and Soil sciences
Ngongo, Michel Luhembwe; University of Lubumbashi > Department of General Agricultural Sciences > Laboratory of Soil Science
Van Ranst, Eric; Universiteit Gent - Ugent > Department of Geology and Soil Sciences
Language :
English
Title :
Spatial patterns and morphology of termite (Macrotermes falciger) mounds in the Upper Katanga, D.R. Congo
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