"Analyzing Termite Diversity and Distribution Using Transect Sampling: Seasonal Variations and Measures of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Diversity in Chikhli, Buldhana District, Maharashtra"

Abstract

Assessing ecosystem health and biodiversity requires an understanding of termite diversity and distribution. Using transect sampling across several seasons, this study examines the richness of termite species and their spatial-temporal distribution in Chikhli, which is in theBuldhana district of Maharashtra. Using standardized ecological indices (alpha, beta, and gamma diversity), the goal was to measure and examine termite diversity while evaluating the impact of seasonal variation on community composition. Using transects (100 m × 2 m), fieldwork was carried out in a few chosen semi-urban and forested environments in 2023 during the pre-monsoon, monsoon,and post-monsoon seasons. By manually inspecting termite mounds, decaying wood, soil, and leaf litter, termites were collected. Morphological keys and expert validation were used to preserve and identify each collected sample down to the species level.