Sampling subterranean termite species diversity and activity in tropical savannas: an assessment of different bait choices

Abstract

Abstract. 1. Cellulose baits are commonly used for semi‐quantitative sampling of subterranean wood‐feeding termites, with a single food choice sampling programme implemented most often. In most situations, however, the composition and feeding preferences of the subterranean termite assemblage remain unknown. 2. The diversity, frequency, foraging activity, and intensity of attack of termites were assessed regularly at 144 baits representing 12 different bait choices over 8.5 months, in two northern Australian tropical savanna sites that differed in vegetation structure (closed vs open). Baits differed in type (paper rolls, cardboard, wooden stakes), position (surface, buried), and moisture status at installation (wet, dry). 3. Sixteen species were recorded, including 11 wood‐feeders. Average species diversity, foraging activity, and bait consumption were greater at buried baits than at surface baits. Wooden baits were most attractive early in the experiment, and paper baits more attractive later. Mean species diversity was greatest at wooden stakes in the closed site. Species frequency of occurrence varied across bait choices. 4. A composite bait sampling protocol of stakes and paper rolls installed above and below ground gave an accurate assessment of the activity, diversity, and structure of the termite guild sampled across all baits over 8.5 months. 5. The choice of bait, its presentation, and time of examination are critical to the success of a termite baiting programme. If the aim is to characterise the structure and foraging activity of the subterranean termite assemblages that are attracted to baits, composite baiting protocols should be implemented.

Seasonal activity patterns of African savanna termites vary across a rainfall gradient

“…These findings also have implications for termite sampling, for which standard protocols still need to be fully developed and implemented in savannas (see Dawes-Gromadzki, 2003;Davies et al, 2013a). We suggest that the optimum time to sample termites differs depending on the amount of mean annual rainfall received.…”

“…consumed, 4 = 76 -99% consumed and 5 = 99 -100% consumed (following Dawes-Gromadzki, 2003). Baits which had been disturbed by vertebrates or otherwise affected (e.g.…”

“…Furthermore, comprehensive data on seasonal patterns will contribute to developing better termite sampling protocols, which are still lacking for savanna ecosystems (see for e.g. Dawes-Gromadzki, 2003;Davies et al, 2013a).…”

Assessing the Relative Efficiency of Termite Sampling Methods along a Rainfall Gradient in African Savannas

“…Despite this, detailed knowledge of termites in ecosystems is scarce, (Dangerfield & Schuurman 2000, Dawes-Gromadzki 2003, due to taxonomic and sampling difficulties, especially in savannas. To address these difficulties and construct relevant and effective conservation management plans for savannas, comparable sampling protocols need to be developed to allow termites to be sampled quantitatively.…”

“…2a). It appears that the temporal scale of a baiting protocol is of importance and should be modified according to the savanna type being sampled and not just the presentation or type of bait used (see also Taylor et al 1998, Dawes-Gromadzki 2003. At the arid sites, the number of species sampled, intensity of attack and frequency of attack, increased substantially between the 3 rd and 4 th censuses, which contrasts to that of the wetter sites which show a decrease or levelling off.…”