The abundance and biomass of subterranean termites (Isoptera) in a dry evergreen forest of northeast Thailand

The abundance and biomass of subterranean termites were assessed in the dry evergreen forest within the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, north east Thailand. The samplings were carried out by pit-digging in November 19 98 (during rainy season) and February 1999 (during dry season). A total of 23 species of termites, comprising 17 genera were identified. Estimated abu ndance was 6450 tesmites/m(2) in November and 2526 termites/m(2) in Februar y and biomass was 10.74g/m(2) (fresh mass) in November and 5.35g/m(2) in Fe bruary, although no significant difference was detected in termite abundanc e and biomass between rainy and dry season. In 30cm depth pit-digging, we f ound more than 93% of individual termites and more than 94% of total biomas s within the top 20cm of soil layer in both samplings. The termite abundanc e and biomass within the surficial soil layer (0-10cm layer) showed no sign ificant difference between in November and February sampling.