Comparative study of the gut microbiota in six termite species from Senegal using targeted 16S metabarcoding.

Termites play an important role in tropical ecosystems, breaking down plant material and recycling nutrients. However, their ability to digest tough plant fibers largely depends on the community of microorganisms living in their gut. This study compares the gut microbiota of six termite species from Senegal, using advanced DNA sequencing (16S metabarcoding) to identify and quantify the bacteria present. We also investigate how the diversity of these bacterial communities changes between termites collected from fields treated with glyphosate and those from untreated fields. By understanding how these microbial communities differ between species and environmental conditions, we can better appreciate the ecological diversity of termites and their role in soil health, nutrient cycling, and even climate regulation.