Termite-fauna (Isoptera) of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalayan Region (north-west): An Annotated Checklist and Biodiversity

Abstract

The present paper deals with the termite-fauna of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalayan region. An updated annotated systematic checklist of 23 species of termites, belonging to 9 genera, under 3 major families and 6 subfamilies, occurring in vast areas/localities in diverse habitats of these regions, has been provided. Family Termitidae is the dominant component of termite-fauna (86.96 %) and most species rich genus is Odontotermes (52.18%) of total species, in this part of north-west Himalaya. The major termite pests of these Himalayan regions are: Angulitermes tilaki, Microtermes obesi, Odontotermes canidia, Odontotermes obesus and Trinervitermes biformis. These cause damage to agricultural crops (food, vegetables, fodder / grasses), forest trees and wood-building structures. Faunal distribution and biodiversity of termite species, have also been briefly discussed.