Distribution and density of termite mounds in the northern Kruger NationalPark, with specific reference to those constructed by Macrotermes Holmgren(Isoptera : Termitidae)

At least ten 2 ha belt-transects were surveyed in each of the 20 northern l andscape zones of the Kruger National Park. Termite mounds were recorded an d activity within the termitaria was determined. Approximately 1.1 million active mounds occur in the northern KNP (approximately 47 % of all mounds i n the area), with an average density of 1.1 active mounds/ha. The main moun d-building genera were Macrotermes Holmgren (accounting for 62.4 % of all a ctive mounds), Cubitermes Wasmann (29.8 %), Amitermes Silvestri (4.3 %), Od ontotermes Holmgren (2.1 %)and Trinervitermes Holmgren (1.4 %). Macrotermes had an average mound density of 0.73/ha, with M. natalensis (Haviland) and M. ukuzii Fuller comprising the dominant species at densities of 0.27 and 0.25 mounds/ha respectively. Macrotermes preferred sandy, granitic soils to basaltic clay, while undulating topography was preferred to concave flood plains. The spatial distribution of both active and inactive mounds of all termite species was aggregated.