Physical characteristics of Macrotermes bellicosus Mounds in upland and fadama areas of Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The physical characteristics of mounds constructed by Macrotermes bellicosus, the most dominant mound-building termite species in Zuru Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria, were investigated. The study assessed mound height, shape, location, exposure, and colony activity status across selected upland and Fadama areas. Mound heights and basal circum ferences were measured using a measuring tape, while mound shapes and exposure conditions were observed and record ed. The colony activity status of each mound was determined by partially opening the mound with a hoe or shovel to con firm the presence or absence of live termites. Results showed that mound height ranged from 1.50 m to 3.00 m and above, while basal circumference was found to record an average mean of 6.97 m. The observed mound shapes included irregular, conical, spherical, and dome-shaped forms, with irregular and conical shapes being the most dominant across the study locations. More mounds were found under canopy cover and shaded microhabitat than in areas that are directly exposed to sunlight, although the degree of exposure varied remarkably across land types and locations. Upland areas generally rec orded a higher number of living mounds expose to sunlight compared to Fadama areas and is as the result of farming activ ities, which more is done in areas expose to sunlight than canopy cover and shaded microhabitat. This is found out to be because of types of crops are being cultivated in the study area. Among the study locations, Rikoto and Manga had the highest number of canopy cover and shaded microhabitat compare to other areas; Dabai, R/Zuru, Senchi and Ushe. The findings indicate that termite mounds are common landscape features within the study area, which exhibites considerable variation in height, canopy cover and shaded microhabitat, and exposure conditions, with many occurring under canopy cover and shaded microhabitat environments.