this mound is the Fortress for macro termes termites a colony a million
strong a termite Mound is just the Hub of an underground city 6 kilm of
foraging tunnels termites now face the flooding of their colony they beat a h y Retreat to the
safety of their Mound as their tunnels start to flood and
collapse.
but in doing so something miraculous happens the tunnels seal themselves
up this blocks the flood's underground advance and forces the water back to the
surface back inside the mound the termites are safe incredibly the flood provides just
the opportunity they need their fragile castle made of sand requires constant maintenance and
rebuilding but the soil now softened by flood water is easy to transport to
damaged parts of the mound.
gradually thousands of termites reconstruct their Fortress repairing these Mounds isn't
just good for the termites these structures help to create something vital for all the Deltas
Wildlife its Islands and it all starts like this dong ready-made fertilizer Laden
with fruits and seeds flood water soaks up the dry side slopes of the mound to create the
perfect bedding for new plants.
gradually season by season termite Mounds become home to more and more plants
as they grow they attract more animals which in turn bring with them the seeds
to grow even more plants Sycamore fig fan Pam marula until the termite.
Mounds are barely recognizable under their lush green canopies as it floods raised areas
around termite Mounds become Islands they provide food shelter and a
refuge throughout the year for everything from elephants to baboons and
birds in the Delta once featureless desert there are now around 150,000 such Islands
Entering a termite fortress is like stepping into a bustling metropolis, but on a miniature scale. These structures, built by millions of individual termites, are marvels of engineering and social organization. Here's what you might encounter inside a termite fortress:
1. Maze-like Tunnels: Upon entering, you'd find yourself navigating through a labyrinth of tunnels constructed from a mixture of soil, saliva, and feces. These tunnels serve various purposes, including ventilation, foraging, and protection against predators.
2. Chambers for Different Functions: Termite fortresses contain specialized chambers for different activities. You might come across nurseries where eggs are laid and larvae are nurtured, fungus gardens where termites cultivate their food, and storage chambers where they hoard organic matter.
3. Constant Activity: The fortress would be teeming with activity, with workers bustling about their duties. Workers are responsible for tasks such as foraging for food, constructing and repairing the fortress, caring for the queen and her offspring, and defending the colony against intruders.
4. Royal Chambers: At the heart of the fortress lies the royal chamber, where the queen termite resides. She is the sole reproductive female in the colony and can lay thousands of eggs each day. Workers attend to her every need, ensuring the survival and expansion of the colony.
5. Fungal Cultivation: Many termite species have a symbiotic relationship with fungi, which they cultivate as a food source. Inside the fortress, you might find elaborate fungus gardens tended to by worker termites. These fungi break down cellulose from plant material, providing nutrition for the colony.
6. Defense Mechanisms: Termite fortresses are equipped with defense mechanisms to ward off threats. Soldiers, with their large heads and powerful mandibles, stand guard at strategic points, ready to defend the colony against invaders such as ants or other termite species.
7. Humidity Regulation: Termites are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. The fortress is designed to maintain optimal environmental conditions for the colony's survival. Workers continuously regulate airflow and moisture levels within the tunnels to ensure the comfort of their fellow inhabitants.
Overall, a journey inside a termite fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate and sophisticated society of these tiny insects, showcasing their remarkable ability to build and maintain complex structures for the success of their colony.
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