Termites Are Resistant to the Effects of Fire at Multiple Spatial Scales

摘要: Termites play an important ecological role in many ecosystems, particularly nutrient-poor arid and semi-arid environments. We examined the distribution occurrence of termites fire-prone, mallee region south-eastern Australia. In addition to periodic large wildfires, land managers use fire as a tool achieve both asset protection outcomes this region. Twelve taxa were detected by using systematic searches grids cellulose baits at 560 sites, clustered 28 landscapes selected represent different mosaic patterns. There was no evidence significant relationship between termite species time-since-fire site scale. Rather, related habitat features such density trees logs (>10 cm diameter). Species richness greater chenopod vegetation on heavier soils swales, rather than Triodia sandy dune slopes. At landscape scale, there little that frequency fire, heterogeneity generated influenced richness. The most influential factor scale environmental gradient represented average annual rainfall. Although may be associated with flammable components (e.g. dead wood), they appear buffered from effects behavioural traits, including nesting underground, continued availability wood after fire. is support hypothesis fine-scale, diverse post-fire age-classes will enhance diversity termites. resistant multiple spatial scales.