Barbara Hausberger

"Regulation of termite diversity"

CV:   July 2002 Abitur at the Luitpold Gymnasium in Wasserburg am Inn   Oct. 2003 Study of Biology at the University of Regensburg   June 2007 - March 2008 Diploma thesis „Termite diversity across an disturbance gradient in a West African savanna“ Supervisor: PD Dr. Judith Korb   since April 2008 PhD „Regulation of termite diversity“ at the University of Osnabrück Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Judith Korb

Research:
 

I am investigating termite diversity and its regulation in African savannas.

So far, 2600 species of termites (Isoptera) in 280 genera have been described. Their nesting habits range from subterranean nests to mounds which can be meters high with millions of individuals. Termites also show a high diversity of feeding habits, there are fungus-growers (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae) as well as wood- and soil-feeders.

Termites are especially diverse in the tropics. There, they play an important role in decomposition processes and carbon mineralization. Therefore they can be considered major determinants of soil quality and are often called „ecosystem engineers“.
 

Savanna (Pendjari NP), dry season

Macrotermes bellicosus mound

 

In West-Africa I investigate the influence of habitat perturbation on termite diversity in the Pendjari National Park (Benin) region. For this, I determine termite diversity across a gradient from undisturbed savanna (in the national park) over intermediately disturbed to highly disturbed inhabited and agricultural areas.

Additionally, I analyse the structure of termite communities in West-, East- and South Africa by investigating their spatial distribution pattern.

A major part of my work consists of termite identification and systematics. This constitutes a challenge, especially West-African termites, since literature and regarding preliminary work on the topic is sparse.

For systematic classification I combine phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and molecular markers and morphological traits as well as barcoding.