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Termites in the Ecosystem

Many termite species build large mounds that, compared to the size of the insects, are the equivalent of humans building a skyscraper twice the size of the Empire State Building. These are found in different areas of the world, including northern Australia and the African savannah. Other termites, which cause damage in urban and suburban ecosystems, are known more personally by humans. Whether heavily affecting the ecosystem around their mounds or acting as a nuisance to homes, termites are influential in the maintenance of ecosystems and can be the cause of change as well.

Methane Contributions
- All termites emit methane gas, though the amount of gas emitted is determined by the species. Methane gas is believed to be one of the main contributors to worldwide climate change. Global emissions because of termite activity are high enough to be considered the second largest natural source of the gas. Termites emit methane as part of their normal digestive process, and the amount of methane per year as a result of termites is estimated to be between 2 and 22 teragrams per year, or up to 24 million tons.
Promoting Biodiversity
- Large termite communities help promote biodiversity in their ecosystem by acting as a year-round food supply for animals that prey on insects. Most insect species hibernate or remain dormant during dry seasons in grassland ecosystems where termites are found. Since termites are active constantly at all times of the year, predatory animals that feed on them do not have to migrate during the dry season to find food sources. Animals that prey on the termite predators will also find a place in the ecosystems and so on.
Termite Feeding Activity
- Termites actively consume dead plant material and herbivore dung, in which bits of plant matter can be found. By removing this waste from the land they are constantly cleaning the surface area of their ecosystem. This permits sunlight and moisture to reach farther into the soil, promoting the growth of plants and the maintenance of healthy soil. In the southwestern deserts and desert grasslands of the United States, termites feed on cow dung, which decomposes very slowly. Without termite activity, cow dung has the potential to smother large areas of land.
Nutrient Dispersal
- Termite activity in an ecosystem causes plants material to decompose more rapidly as termites feed on it. Nutrients from this plant material are distributed through termite mounds as a result. When termite mounds naturally erode, these nutrients are distributed through the nearby soil, causing it to become highly fertile. Nutrients are spread farther in an ecosystem when termites are eaten by predators who then fly off and deposit the nutrients through waste products.

Insects & Science