Dirt mounds made by termites in Africa, South America, Asia could prevent spread of deserts

NSF | MARCH 3, 2015

Termites might not top the list of humanity's favorite insects, but new research suggests that their large dirt mounds are crucial to stopping deserts from spreading into semi-arid ecosystems.

Termite Mounds. Image credit: Ouderkraal/Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

In the parched grasslands and savannas, or drylands, of Africa, South America and Asia, termite mounds store nutrients and moisture and via internal tunnels, allow water to better penetrate the soil. As a result, vegetation flourishes on and near termite mounds in ecosystems that are otherwise vulnerable to desertification.

Researchers report that termites slow the spread of deserts into drylands by providing a moist refuge for vegetation on and around their mounds. Drylands with termite mounds can survive on significantly less rain than those without termite mounds.

The results indicate that termite mounds could make these areas more resilient to climate change. The findings could also inspire a change in how scientists determine the possible effects of climate change on ecosystems.

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