A comparative study of termite diversity in different tropical land use habitats of Sambalpur district, Odisha, India

Background The eusocial termite plays crucial role in soil processes such as nutrient cycling, structure maintenance, and pest population regulation, which are essential for ecosystem services. This soil insects responds to disturbances and soil quality and can serve as a bioindicator of ecological disruptions; however, its diversity and responses to land uses have not been studied in the tropical deciduous habitat. Methods This study was conducted in various natural and managed habitats of the tropical dry deciduous region of Sambalpur district, Odisha, India. Termites were sampled bimonthly over two consecutive years, 2021–22. The collection involved a 50 × 2 m transect. Diversity indices and correlations with soil physicochemical properties were analyzed. Results During this period, 16 termite species were recorded, of which seven belong to mound-building termites and nine subterranean termites. Termite species Odontotermes obesus were dominant in all the land use habitats, whereas Coptotermes ceylonicus was least encountered and only recorded in human-disturbed forest sites. Conclusions The study demonstrates that land-use practices have a substantial impact on termite diversity and community organization. Disturbed forest areas displayed greater species richness and diversity, while irrigated agricultural lands had the lowest species diversity due to poor oversight. It emphasizes the importance of preserving semi-natural and forest-covered habitats for soil health and ecological balance, as well as the shift in species composition that favors dominant species.