Seasonal Distribution and Diversity of Termite Taxa in Different Habitats in the Middle Montane Ecozone of Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Knowledge of the diversity and occurrence of termites is important for environmental management, but this is unknown in the Bahir Dar Zuria area of northwestern Ethiopia, which represents tepid to cool sub-moist mid-highlands or also known as the middle montane ecozone. The objective of this study was to identify termite taxa and determine the diversity and distribution of termites in different habitats in the middle montane ecozone. Data were collected for eight months starting from December 2016 to July 2017. Termites were collected from different habitats using maize stalks as baits. Results: A total of over 16,000 termite individuals representing one family (Termitidae), two subfamilies, i.e., Macrotermitinae and Termitinae, and five genera (Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Microtermes, Amitermes and Microcerotermes) were found. More Microtermes and Macrotermes termite individuals were found than on other genera. Microtermes and Macrotermes were more abundant. Shannon’s diversity index and Simpson's index of diversity values appeared to be higher in the protected vegetation. The distribution of termites in the different habitats showed that protected vegetation had more genera (five genera), followed by grass and cultivated lands (four genera each). Termite populations were significantly higher during the rainy season. The genus Odontotermes occurred more during the dry season than the wet season, indicating its foraging behaviour on dry ground. Season, habitat and weather variables were the main factors dictating the type of taxa, distribution and abundance of termites in the study area. Generally, number of individuals increased in the wet and declined in the dry season. Microcerotermes was not found in grasslands and Amitermes in cultivated fields, indicating distinct difference in habitat preference. Conclusions: Some taxa could be used as indicators of different habitats and seasons because they specialize in these attributes. They also show the degree of environmental degradation and the need for remedial action. Keywords: Biodiversity, Isoptera, Termites, Abundance, Microtermes, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Habitat, northwestern Ethiopia