Atlas of Habitats

colony

0.6 m³

at 0.6 m

6.7ºN

[squatted] mound

earth

mixed

rough

invertebrates

[squatted] mound

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Introduction

Liberia
Taubman Farm, Bong County
6,7759° N, 9,9738° W
11/04/2024, 2:40pm

We visited Taubman Farm in Bong County. Established in 1952, this farm belongs to William V.S Tubman, Liberia’s longest serving president, also functioning as a weekend villa with a tennis court and a zoo. This historical place is full of interesting stories. Today, the abandoned zoo and farm are not in use and in decay. As this fascinating place still belongs to the family, we were only allowed to see a small section of it. We found this termite mound in front of the villa.

Micro Climate

The outer walls of the mound are thick, providing insulation, while the internal structure includes a network of air passages. The mound's architecture allows for passive cooling and heating. The temperature inside the mound remains remarkably consistent, even when external temperatures are significantly fluctuating. The mound is often oriented in a way that maximizes the effects of the sun’s heat, particularly in the morning.

Material

The termite mounds are primarily constructed using a mixture of soil, saliva and excrement, which are molded into intricate structures. This combination results in a hard, durable material that is resistant to both weathering and erosion. The mounds are often reinforced with additional organic matter, creating a robust, compact structure that can endure for years. The texture of the mound is generally rough and solid, helping to protect the colony from predators and environmental changes.

Location

The Taubman villa is beautiful example of tropical modernism with wooden interior finishes and construction elements. The proximity of the mound to the villa is a threat to the structural integrity of the building, as termites are already feeding on wood inside and near the foundation. A mound found within this short of a distance to a built structure is also a sign that the it has not been in use for many years.

Construction

Termites often build their mounds near or under houses when wood or cellulose-based materials are readily available. This is especially common if there is moisture or decaying wood, which termites are highly attracted to. The construction of a termite mound is a highly organized process, involving the cooperation of thousands of individual termites. These insects transport tiny particles of soil and organic material, which they mix with their saliva and feces to create a cement-like substance.