The 12 Crucial Connections Between Termites and Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Balance

8. Ecosystem Engineers for Other Species

In tropical rainforests, termites are ecosystem engineers, building and changing habitats that support a great variety of other species. From insects to reptiles and even some mammals, their mounds and underground constructions offer cover, nesting locations, and foraging areas for many creatures. Around termite colonies, the changed soil conditions support unusual plant communities, sometimes containing rare or specialised species that flourish in these changed conditions. This engineering function also includes building intricate ecological networks whereby termite presence indirectly sustains whole food webs and species interactions. Termite effects on the ecology are extensive and varied. In some species, their mounds—which may reach amazing heights—offer elevated platforms in the forest environment that provide vantage points for other species. Other species sometimes steal these constructions; for instance, certain birds use termite mounds as nesting sites, therefore gaining from the steady temperature and safety they offer. Termite tunnelling operations produce a network of channels in the ground that provides access for other soil life, therefore improving the general soil biodiversity. Around termite colonies, the better soil structure and nutrient availability produce rich areas that support more plant diversity and production. This then draws herbivores and their predators, therefore generating areas of localised biodiversity hotspots. Moreover, abandoned termite mounds remain important nutrient-rich areas that support different plant and animal populations, therefore impacting ecosystem dynamics long after the original colony has migrated on. Termites are absolutely essential for preserving the structural and functional variety of tropical forest ecosystems by building this mosaic of habitats and resources.