Termites in Africa

Termites have long been considered a bane in man’s existence. They are especially notorious in causing millions worth or damages in properties, particularly in wooden structures. However, the termites in Africa play a vet significant role in the country’s ecosystem. The tiny creatures can actually lay claim to such an immense impact on the African environment, which animals would not be able to take credit for. In the African savannahs, there are conspicuous mounds scattered all over that are actually homes to thousands of these highly sociable creatures.

The highly impressive clay towers provides an efficient shelter to many termites in Africa and any other insects and are usually covered in plants that forms habitants for these creatures. The termites in Africa are usually well-organized decomposers that feed on dead plant materials, barks and straws. And some of the nests or mounds built by the termites in Africa that are already abandoned serve as a shelter for other creatures. They also help in improving the quality of the soil through decomposition and serve as a lookout for cheetahs.

Aside from being a vital contributor in the ecosystem, the termites in Africa are also considered an exquisite delicacy that are usually fed to most children in Uganda and Zambia. Such dishes are either fried or steamed and are said to contain 32-36% protein. This may sound a little too primitive for other people’s taste, but for Africans they are indeed an exotic gastronomic fare that is enjoyed by both young and old.

Apparently, it’s not only the people who are feasting on the termites in Africa, since most of the wildlife has made these termites their own staple wood. Aardvarks are especially known for licking the African termites from the ground in heaps. Foxes and mongooses are also fond of eating the termites along with the hyenas and aardwolves. And elephants have quite a very use of the mounds as a scratching post. There are other innumerable uses of the African termites and their mounds that would certainly make us all realize that such destructive creatures really does have a very important role in maintaining the balance of nature.

So they next time you come across termites, it mould help pay more respect to their humble creatures. Just when you are about to curse and question their existence, think of how much they are able to contribute to the natural processes of nature. Although, this may be too much to ask for some people who have dealt with termites in the past. But just think, like us they are also just trying their very best to survive and they are merely carrying out what they do best.