Macrotermes natalensis termite colonies in seasonally flooded savannas

In seasonally inundated landscapes of southern central Africa very large termite mounds Macrotermes natalensis offer a refuge for flood-intolerant trees during the flood season. matrix landscape surrounding these islands waterlogged and then anaerobic soil conditions browsing by megaherbivores dry season allow grass herbaceous vegetation only. During rainy each termitarium forms an isolated island which due to its relative dryness allows survival associated fauna. termites try establish new colonies with mounds. However, successful formation termitaria seems be rare event. this case study from Dundumwezi in Kafue National Park, Zambia, we provide description their vegetation. Furthermore, analyse spatial patterns mound surroundings Park und Bangweulu Plains / Kasanka based on remote sensing imagery. Our results confirm that competition among homogeneous habitats causes regular patterns.