Termites:  A true ecosystem service provider in a natural ecosystem

Ajay Kumar Harit

Abstract

Termites (Infraorder: Isoptera) are well recognized as eusocial insect-cum-Ecosystem Engineer due to its abilities of foraging, feeding behavior over a long distance and turning of soil from lower horizons to soil surface on a natural ecosystem. In spite of that termites are also serve various services for nature, human and other animals well-being such as degradation of organic matter and enhance the soil fertility particularly in natural ecosystem. They also provide the shelter to other animals and the biogenic structure constructed by termites like mounds has inspired many engineers and architects to explore and construct the building in sustainable approach, mainly in contrast of cooling and ventilation.

Termites are also serving a food source for a several other animals such as birds (hornbills, swallows and swifts) nightjars and owls (nocturnal feeders), mammals (tribal communities of various countries), reptiles and other insects and help to regulate and maintains the ecological balance within ecosystem. Indeed, termite are also contributing several other ecosystem services to maintain healthy and functional ecosystem like nutrient cycling (after backdown and process of organic matter releases the nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen potassium etch into the soil), soil aeration (in search of food termite create tunnels and burrows, these activities enhance the soil porosity, aeration and infiltration rate, which promote plant growth), as decomposition (efficient decomposer of lignocellulosic materials like plants debris, leaf litter, which enhance soil health and fertility), and erosion control (help in prevent soil erosion by stabilizing soil aggregates and improving soil structure via their activities).

In summary, termites are essential to the health of ecosystems because they aid in the cycling of nutrients, create habitat, reduce erosion, enhance soil quality, and provide food for other living things. The role of termites in ecosystem are vital and have a major influence on ecosystem services.