How Do Termites Help the Environment?
WouterMost people don’t think of termites as ecologists, but they are in fact important ecological engineers. They help the entire ecosystem and act as a bulwark against climate change. Among other things, termites recycle dead wood from trees. They also provide essential substances to improve soil quality in forests.
As global temperatures rise, termites could be on the move. They have an appetite for carbon and can produce methane from dead wood. They have powerful mitochondria. In addition to converting waste into reusable forms, they also help reduce fire fuel requirements.
Several species of termites can be found throughout the world. The majority, however, live in Africa and Asia. These insects are able to make use of raw materials, such as cellulose, wood, and dung. They ingest these materials and mix them into the soil. The resulting change in the soil allows the soil to hold on to moisture and nutrients for the plants that grow there.
As an ecosystem engineer, termites play a critical role in maintaining the health of tropical rain forests. They create a network of tunnels that provide shelter for thousands of insects. In addition to the obvious benefits, termites help buffer plants against drought.
Interestingly, researchers found that termite mounds can be an effective bulwark against desertification. This is because of their ability to retain moisture. These structures also store nutrients in drylands. This prevents soil erosion, and plants tend to thrive in the presence of these structures.
