Analysis of termite diversity (Blattodea: Isoptera) in the Gourma Province in Eastern Burkina Faso

Termites are insects found in tropical regions where they play a major ecological role. The objective of this study was to inventory termite species present in the Gourma province in eastern Burkina Faso in relation to habitat variations in order to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. For this purpose, we sampled nine sites from three habitats (savannahs, fields, and fallows), i.e. three sites per habitat, using a standard rapid harvesting method for two weeks in August 2018. From this sampling, we identified 1285 individuals from which 18 termite species, 11 genera and 2 families. Our collections documented five species and one genus (Schedorhinotermes) recorded for the first time in Burkina Faso. The analysis of occurrence indices revealed that Macrotermes bellicosus was a constant savannah species, and Nasutitermes sp. and Schedorhinotermes sp. were accessory species whereas the majority of the species were rare. The Shannon and equitability indices showed that savannah supported a greater richness of termites (sixteen species) and a more equitable distribution of species, likely because savannah was less disturbed compared with crop fields and fallows and was therefore richer in food resources. Statistical analysis of functional groups revealed significant variation in termite in groups II and IV abundance among sampled habitats probably in relation to soil, vegetation, climate and anthropic disturbances. Our study has provided an update to the list of termite species and highlighted the ecological importance of this taxonomic group in Burkina Faso.