Termite mound paradises help buffer dry land against climate change

Thank some insect colonies for helping fragile ecosystems cope with drought

termites on mound

UP AND AWAY  Ready to serve as ecosystem engineers buffering dry lands against droughts, termites fly out a vent in their first home as the rainy season starts. If all goes well, they’ll start their own colonies. 

R. Pringle/Princeton

Termite mounds may help protect arid landscapes in Africa from turning into deserts as climate change exacerbates droughts.