The restoration of termite diversity in different reforestated forests

• Published in: Agroforestry systems 2016-06, Vol.90 (3), p.395-404
• Main Authors: de Paula, Reniel Chaves, de Moraes Lima Silveira, Roberto, da Rocha, Maurício Martins, Izzo, Thiago Junqueira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture; Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Ecological succession; Ecology; Ecosystem services; Ficus; Forestry; Forests; Indigenous species; Isoptera; Life Sciences; Nutrient availability; Pasture; Plant species; Reforestation; Studies; Tectona grandis; Termites
• ISSN: 0167-4366; 1572-9680
• DOI: 10.1007/s10457-015-9862-2

In this study we compare the richness, abundance and guild composition between two different reforestations in the meridional part of the Amazon. We test the hypothesis that the termite community is affected by the identity of the tree species used in reforestation. More precisely, we test whether the reforestation of a native species of fig ( Ficus sp) is more efficient in restoring biodiversity than reforestation of exotic teak trees ( Tectona grandis ). We sampled the termite community in these reforested areas and three other different “control” areas: active pastures, abandoned pastures (secondary forests) and mature pristine forest. We found that the distance of reforestation from the nearest primary forest had no effect on termite biodiversity, at the scale studied. But, as expected, richness and the abundance were higher in the mature forest, intermediate in reforestation areas, and lower in secondary forest and pastures. In fact, the only studied habitat with biodiversity comparable to the mature forest was the fig plantations. The guild composition in reforested areas was also similar to that of the mature forest. The diversity and abundance of humivorous termites was particularly pronounced in the reforestation areas compared with pasture or secondary forests. The humivorous guild provides important functional services, since its action makes nitrogen and other nutrients available to the plants along ecological succession. Our results show that reforestation is a valuable strategy in restoring termite diversity and recovering the ecosystem services they provide.