The restoration of termite diversity in different reforestated forests

Abstract

In this study we compare the richness, abundance and guild composition between two different reforestations in the meridional part of the Amazon. We test the hypothesis that the termite community is affected by the identity of the tree species used in reforestation. More precisely, we test whether the reforestation of a native species of fig (Ficus sp) is more efficient in restoring biodiversity than reforestation of exotic teak trees (Tectona grandis). We sampled the termite community in these reforested areas and three other different ''control'' areas: active pastures, abandoned pastures (secondary forests) and mature pristine forest. We found that the distance of reforestation from the nearest primary forest had no effect on termite biodiversity, at the scale studied. But, as expected, richness and the abundance were higher in the mature forest, intermediate in reforestation areas, and lower in secondary forest and pastures. In fact, the only studied habitat with biodiversity comparable to the mature forest was the fig plantations. The guild composition in reforested areas was also similar to that of the mature forest. The diversity and abundance of humivorous termites was particularly pronounced in the reforestation areas compared with pasture or secondary forests. The humivorous guild provides important functional services, since its action makes nitrogen and other nutrients available to the plants along ecological succession. Our results show that reforestation is a valuable strategy in restoring termite diversity and recovering the ecosystem services they provide.

Fast recovery of soil macrofauna in regenerating forests of the Amazon

“…(2010) for beetles and Paula et al. (2016) for termites. Among functional groups, predators and detritivores showed the patterns of abundance consistent with those described before, although detritivores only showed significant differences between young and mature forests (Figure 6).…”

Consequences of shade management on the taxonomic patterns and functional diversity of termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) in cocoa agroforestry systems

“…Previous studies on the effect of habitat fragmentation on the diversity of termite across forest landscape concluded that termite diversity decreases along the sequence from primary forest to secondary forest and food crop fields (Davies, 2002;de Souza & Brown, 1994). Other studies have shown that termite richness is higher in mature forest, intermediate in reforestation areas, and lower in secondary forest and pastures (de Paula, Silveira, Rocha, & Izzo, 2016). Since the rustic shade system of Boumnyebel and the moderate shade of Obala could be compared to secondary forest, and Kedia and Bakoa systems of very light shade and full sun cocoa to food crop fields, we can clearly see that the pattern of termite species richness observed in this study corroborates with previously reported results.…”

Biodiversity studies through public-private partnership (PPP): The case of Fazenda São Nicolau in the northwest of Mato Grosso

“…These sites were compared based on species abundance, species richness and functional diversity of termites as indicators of nutrient availability through decomposition. Reforestation sites were found to be similar to undisturbed native forest sites, showing that after 15 years the young planted forest developed a healthy nutrient cycling process (Paula et al 2015).…”