Extensive studies in the surrounding forest by the authors confirmed that epiphytes occur only occasionally on ant and termite substrate other than ant gardens.
Results have varied with the termite species and strain of fungus tested, and the concentration of inoculum and its mode of delivery to termite populations.
Problems with the mark-recapture technique for estimating the size of termite foraging populations are beyond the scope of this article.
Therefore, an alternative method of estimating termite populations is needed.
Only those stakes that were attacked by subterranean termites were replaced by in-ground monitoring stations.
Examination of baits may disrupt termite foraging for some period because the anchoring wire and planter bag must be removed for inspection.
In stark contrast, the termites excavated more frequently and produced longer tunnels at the far end of the second choices.
The seasonal rapid growth of the herbaceous understorey vegetation would further compound any deleterious effects of termite piping and/or poor tree health.