Termites of a South African savanna : I. List of species and subhabitat preferences.

This study describes the termite fauna of the South African Savanna Ecosystem Project study area at Nylsvley Reserve, Naboomspruit, northern Transvaal. Twenty species of fifteen genera and two families are recorded, and biological notes are given. The faunal composition is broadly similar to that of West African savannas, but a little impoverished. Main deficiencies are in variety of Macrotermitinae and Trinervitermes; Termitinae are broadly comparable.Most of the species occur in the flatter areas of broad-leaved savanna; three are restricted to open land bordering a marsh. Steeply rocky broad-leaved savanna lacks two species but has two others restricted to it; Acacia patches (including sites of former human settlement) have a much reduced variety of species.