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Termite Diversity and Decomposition Role in Gazi Bay Mangrove Forest, Kenya: A Comparative Study between Natural and Managed Sites.

par Kevogo, Milton
Promoteur Roisin, Yves
Co-Promoteur Odhiambo, Kenneth;Jenoh, Elisha M'Rabu
Publication Non publié, 2024-08-29

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Résumé :

Termites are well known for their role as decomposers within terrestrial habitats where they decompose dead plant material, recycle nutrients, and enhance soil fertility. However, termite species diversity and contribution to dead-wood decomposition within mangrove ecosystems remains unknown. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study aimed to compare the termite species diversity between natural and managed mangrove sites, infer their role as decomposers, and lastly to test the saltwater resistance of mangrove termites in comparison to terrestrial termites in Gazi Bay. Termites were collected using standardized belt transects across various microhabitats within the forest. Species diversity was analyzed using Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Pielou's indices, as well as taxonomic distinctness. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the salinity tolerance of termites from both mangrove and terrestrial forests across different salinity levels (0%, 1.5%, and 3.5%). Results revealed that natural sites had higher species richness while managed site showed greater species evenness. Termites exploited more standing dead wood in natural sites, whereas managed sites had a higher total standing dead wood biomass. In terms of resilience to saline conditions, mangrove-associated termites displayed varying degrees of tolerance, with Prorhinotermes species showing the highest tolerance. Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera gymnorhiza were identified as the primary mangrove species exploited by termites. This study improves our understanding of termite ecology in both terrestrial and mangrove ecosystems, showing their diversity, decomposition role and their adaptation to saline environments. These aspects highlight the ecological significance of mangrove termites globally within mangrove ecosystems.