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The effects of altitude and rainfall on the composition of the termites (Isoptera) of the Leuser Ecosystem (Sumatra, Indonesia)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2001

FREDRICK GATHORNE-HARDY ,
SYAUKANI  and
PAUL EGGLETON
FREDRICK GATHORNE-HARDY
Affiliation:
Termite Research Group, Entomology Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK Division of Life Sciences, King's College, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 8WA, UK
SYAUKANI
Affiliation:
Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia
PAUL EGGLETON
Affiliation:
Termite Research Group, Entomology Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
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Abstract

In 1998 a survey was made of the termites of the Leuser Ecosystem (in Sumatra, Indonesia), which includes a substantial area (c. 1 million ha) of unbroken primary rain forest. Nine sites and an altitudinal gradient were sampled. Altitude had a significant effect on species richness, which declines with even a 100-m increase in altitude. Species composition too was significantly affected by altitude. Functionally, only termites in one feeding group (II, which forage outside of their nests) were significantly affected by altitude. A mid-altitude termite species assemblage was evident. Longitude also significantly affected species composition; Macrotermitinae were numerous on the western side of the Ecosystem and Termitinae and Nasutitermitinae more numerous to the east of it. This was probably due to differences in rainfall patterns across the Ecosystem.

Keywords

assemblagedisturbancefeeding groupsrain foresttermites
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 17 , Issue 3 , May 2001 , pp. 379 - 393
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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