Spatial patterns and morphology of termite (Macrotermes falciger) mounds in the Upper Katanga, D.R. Congo

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

MUJINYA, B.B.

Dept. of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Lab. of Soil Science, Univ., Gent, Belgique

Dept. of General Agricultural Sciences, Lab. of Soil Science, Univ., Lubumbashi, Congo, la Republique Democratique du

ADAM, M.

Landscape Ecology and Plant Production Systems Unit, Univ. Libre, Bruxelles, Belgique

MEES, F.

Dep. of Geology and Mineralogy, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgique

BOGAERT, J.

Biodiversity and Landscape Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Univ. of Liège, Gembloux, Belgique

VRANKEN, I.

Landscape Ecology and Plant Production Systems Unit, Univ. Libre, Bruxelles, Belgique

Biodiversity and Landscape Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Univ. of Liège, Gembloux, Belgique

ERENS, H.

Dept. of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Lab. of Soil Science, Univ., Gent, Belgique

BAERT, G.

Dept. of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Lab. of Soil Science, Univ., Gent, Belgique

Fac. of Bioscience Engineering, Dept. of Applied Biosciences, Gent, Belgique

NGONGO, M.

Dept. of General Agricultural Sciences, Lab. of Soil Science, Univ., Lubumbashi, Congo, la Republique Democratique du

VAN RANST, E.

Dept. of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Lab. of Soil Science, Univ., Gent, Belgique

Description :
This study examines the spatial distribution patterns and morphological characteristics of Macrotermes falciger mounds in the peri-urban zone of Lubumbashi, D.R. Congo. Spatial patterns of mounds were assessed using high-resolution satellite images for 24 plots of variable size (3 to 27 ha). Soil morphological features were described for five termite-mound profiles of 5 to 9 m depth/height. The high relative number of inactive mounds in the region, with regular distribution patterns, suggests that current termite mound occurrences are largely relict features. There are no clear indications for an impact of the nature of the parent material on the spatial distribution of the mounds. Mounds have associated stone layer depressions and water-saturation features.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2014, vol. 114, p. 97-106, nombre de pages : 10, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais