The African Termite (Macrotermes bellicosus) is a parasite that separates the overall population into groups such as reproductives, workers, and soldiers. The main group of termites that attack trees, such as the Senegalia Senegal, are the worker termites. They generally try to find trees that they can easily access through the roots or dead branches, and then attack using one of the following tactics. Sometimes, once they've found a young, unestablished tree, they attack the roots that lie just under the surface and destroy the central part of the root system, and often the root damage is fatal for the young tree. Although the tree cannot grow or supply the termites with food anymore, they have found an easy meal that can still last for an extensive period of time. On the other hand, the termites often attack established trees, in which they can attack and eat the dead bark or bring it back to their nest, leaving the established tree unharmed.
Host Senegalia Senegal
The Senegalia Senegal (Acacia Senegal) is an important tree for humans and animals alike. The tree is of lots of economic importance for humans for it is used not only as a food additive, but also in cosmetics and crafts. It can also offer uses for local people such as food from drying it's seeds, making extremely strong ropes or cords from it's bark and roots, or using it medically to treat gonorrhea, leprosy, and typhoid fever Since none of these directly impact the tree, it's main predator is the local African Termite. It's invasion of the tree is often the cause of the death of weak and young trees, especially when the tree is barely living under normal circumstances.
How does the parasite affect the tree?
The African Termite attacks the roots, trunks, and sometimes inner tissue of a tree and uses the materials from the tree to their advantage by taking what they find back to their nests. Such tactics are often used on dead, weakened, and less established trees, making it easier to gain entry into the inner tissue or other important parts of the tree. This makes it easier for the termites to take the most from the tree and eventually taking so much that the tree dies.