ARCHIVES
VOL. 9, ISSUE 6 (2024)
Survey and morphological identification of termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in Dandakaranya forest, Bhadrachalam region, Telangana state. India
Authors
G Gopala Rao, Apka Nageswara Rao, P Kranthi kumar
Abstract
Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) occupy an essential niche in forests. They
help decompose leaves beneath the ground and aerate the soil for roots. At the
same time, however, their potential as pests requires a detailed knowledge of
both diversity and distribution among them. Consequently, this project focused
on surveys and morphological identification of termite species in the
Dandakaranya forest, Bhadrachalam area, Indian state of Telangana. Employing
the Standardized Transect Sampling Method and manual methods for selection, we
carried out a comprehensive investigation to determine the composition of
termites in this region. The survey in question turned up a diverse termite
fauna with seven species. Each of these was painstakingly collected, preserved
and identified in the laboratory, against morphological characteristics of the
species. The species so identified are valuable new data for regional
biodiversity documentation; and also add to our understanding of termite
distribution in the Dandakaranya forest. The findings underscore the ecological
importance of termites in this forest ecosystem, and necessitate continued
monitoring as well as preservation measures. These results also lay a
foundation for future research into termite ecology, behaviour and impact on
forest health. More research might look at interactions between termite species
and other forest organisms; what changes they undergo in response to
environmental alteration. This research provides a first step towards
larger-scale assessments of biodiversity, thus contributing to the general
period end conservation work for forest ecosystems.
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Pages:67-73
How to cite this article:
G Gopala Rao, Apka Nageswara Rao, P Kranthi kumar "Survey and morphological identification of termites (Insecta: Isoptera) in Dandakaranya forest, Bhadrachalam region, Telangana state. India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 9, Issue 6, 2024, Pages 67-73
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