Termite-induced heterogeneity in African savanna vegetation: mechanisms and patterns

被引:132
|
作者
Sileshi, Gudeta W. [1 ]
Arshad, M. A. [2 ]
Konate, Souleymane [3 ]
Nkunika, Philip O. Y. [4 ]
机构
[1] Chitedze Agr Res Stn, ICRAF So Africa Reg Programme, Lilongwe, Malawi
[2] Univ Alberta, Dept Renewable Resources, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada
[3] Univ Abobo Adjame, Trop Ecol Stn Lamto, UFR SN CRE, Abidjan 02, Cote Ivoire
[4] Univ Zambia, Dept Biol Sci, Lusaka, Zambia
关键词
Banded vegetation; Bush encroachment; Desertification; Fertility islands; Fire; Herbivory; Spotted vegetation; SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA; BIOGENIC STRUCTURES; SOIL FERTILITY; ISOPTERA; MOUND; FIRE; TRINERVITERMES; TREE; MACROTERMITINAE; HERBIVORES;
D O I
10.1111/j.1654-1103.2010.01197.x
中图分类号
Q94 [植物学];
学科分类号
071001 ;
摘要
Objectives To (1) assess the strength of evidence for the role of termites in vegetation heterogeneity in African savannas, and (2) identify the mechanisms by which termites induce such heterogeneity. Location African savannas. Methods We conducted a review of the literature, a meta-analysis and qualitative systems analysis to identify mechanisms to explain the observed patterns. Results The review provided evidence for termite-induced heterogeneity in floristic composition and vegetation patterning in savannas across Africa. Termites induced vegetation heterogeneity directly or indirectly through their nest-building and foraging activities, associated nutrient cycling and their interaction with mammalian herbivores and fire. The literature reviewed indicated that termite mounds essentially act as islands of fertility, which are responsible for ecosystem-level spatial heterogeneity in savannas. This was supported by the meta-analysis, which demonstrated that mounds of Ancistrotermes, Macrotermes, Odontotermes (family Macrotermitinae), Cubitermes (family Termitinae) and Trinervitermes (Nasutitermitinae) are significantly enriched in clay (75%), carbon (16%), total nitrogen (42%), calcium (232%), potassium (306%) and magnesium (154%) compared to the surrounding savanna soil. Conclusions Termite activity is one of the major factors that induce vegetation patterning in African savannas. The implications of this are discussed and research questions for future studies and modelling efforts are indicated.
引用
收藏
页码:923 / 937
页数:15
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