ABSTRACT Aims Termite activity is a key driver of soil heterogeneity and ecosystem functioning in tropical landscapes, yet its role in degraded bowé ecosystems remains under‐quantified. This study assessed how termite mounds influence woody plant communities in the semi‐arid Sudanese zone of northern Benin (Banikoara municipality). Location Banikoara municipality, the semi‐arid Sudanese zone of northern Benin. Methods Floristic and dendrometric data were collected from 58 plots (29 mound‐influenced and 29 adjacent non‐mound plots). Data were tested for normality and homogeneity of variance, then analysed using one‐way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman correlations and ordination models in R v4.4.2. Results Mound plots exhibited significantly higher species richness, tree density, basal area, aboveground biomass and carbon stock. Tree density, mean height and species richness were strong predictors of carbon variation ( p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed evidence for a strong localised effect caused by termite mound presence. However, functional trait distributions overlapped, suggesting functional redundancy in the community. Conclusion These results highlight termite mounds as ‘fertility islands’ that enhance biodiversity and carbon sequestration while supporting resilient ecosystem functions. By demonstrating how termite mounds structure tree community composition, boost carbon‐rich productivity hotspots and foster ecological resilience through functional redundancy, this study underscores the critical role of termite mounds as nature‐based solutions for restoring degraded semi‐arid landscapes and addressing climate change mitigation in West Africa.
Babatunde et al. (2026) studied this question.