Biomass of Macrotermes natalensis in the northern Kruger National Park, South Africa - the effects of land characteristics

摘要

In order to derive biomass estimates for Macrotermes natalensis (Hav.) (Isoptera: Termitidae) in the northern Kruger National Park, a statistical bootstrap procedure was carried out using three databases: body mass, colony population sizes and mound density. Live biomass (excluding king and queen) of M. natalensis for small, medium and large mounds was found to be 0.17, 1.40 and 4.16 kg, respectively. Dry/wet body mass ratios were established for workers (23.7%), major soldiers (20.3%), minor soldiers (35.3%), nymphs (17.1%), king (35.4%) and queen (20.8%). Average live and dry biomass (including nymphs; excluding reproductives) for the northern KNP was calculated to be 0.51 kg ha(-1) (0.051 g m(-2)) and 0.11 kg ha(-1) (0.011 g m(-2)), respectively. Geology, geomorphology, elevation, local relief, soil patterns and annual rainfall were the abiotic factors shown to be most influential in determining termite biomass, either directly or indirectly. Termite biomass is high in undulated areas where the elevation is 250-400 m, where granitic and rhyolitic soils occur, and where annual rainfall is high (650-700 mm) in the context of the region.