Soil Mates: Why Termites and I Teamed Up in Benin For My Ecology PhD

Over the past two months, I had the privilege of living and working in the fascinating country of Benin. As a PhD student studying zoology and ecology at the University of York, my research normally focuses on ants. I research how we can effectively integrate their ecology as ecosystem engineers to benefit sustainable landscape management practices. However, during this placement I turned my attention to a different but equally crucial architects of soil – termites.

Benin is a culturally vibrant and superbly beautiful country in West Africa. I was lucky enough to split my time between research in the labs of the Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi and field research at the Université d’Agriculture de Kétou. Throughout my stay, I was incredibly impressed by the dedication of researchers across Benin. They tackle some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. It was inspiring exchange knowledge with such passionate scientists. As someone with a lifelong passion for insect life, I also greatly appreciated the many invertebrates that thrive in the country’s rainforests!

Termites as Ecosystem Engineers

My placement focused on termite ecology. This was a shift from my usual obsession with ants, but one that proved richly rewarding. Termites play a central role in African ecosystems as ecosystem engineers. They build towering mounds that alter soil chemistry, promote plant growth, and influence patterns of biodiversity. With widespread degradation across the Sahel and northern Benin, the potential for termites to contribute to soil restoration is becoming increasingly clear. I carried out studies comparing termite communities across degraded and healthy grasslands. I then brought live termite colonies back to the lab to run extensive feeding preference trials. Working with termites came with new challenges, such as figuring out the ideal conditions for captive rearing. However, it also offered a chance to broaden my understanding of these underappreciated insects.

The broader goal of this work was to explore how termite activity might be harnessed for ecological restoration. This activity could support biodiversity, rebuilding degraded soils, and potentially helping reverse desertification.

Collaborating on Termite–Tree Interactions

One highlight of my placement was applying the multivariate analysis skills I’ve developed during my PhD in zoology and ecology to support a fantastic study led by Babatokpè Calèb Babatunde. This study investigates how termite mounds influence tree composition in degraded landscapes. By examining vegetation around termite mounds, this project aims to inform better land management practices. Not only would this improve tree diversity, but also support communities relying on those landscapes for their livelihoods. It was deeply rewarding to contribute to cutting-edge ecological research that balances ecological goals with practical solutions. It is exactly the kind of interdisciplinary work we need more of in our rapidly changing world.

A Journey of Growth—Scientifically and Personally

Living and working in a completely different cultural and ecological context was an eye-opening experience. It not only enriched my scientific development, especially in preparing for future fieldwork in diverse environments, but also offered personal growth. Whether I was troubleshooting humidity levels in the termite lab, learning to navigate local markets, or discussing research challenges over (extremely spicy!) Beninese dishes, I was constantly learning.

I owe a heartfelt thank you to those who supported me throughout the placement:

• Prof. Elie Padonou, my placement supervisor, for his generous mentorship and for showing me the beauty of Benin—from sacred forests to sweeping savannahs;
• Dr. Oscar Doré Ahossou, for his tireless assistance and field expertise;
• Prof. Brice Sinsin, Director of the Laboratoire d’Écologie Appliquée for granting access to his excellent facilities;
• And Tiago de Zoeten from Mossy Earth, whose encouragement and advice were invaluable throughout the placement.

I am also grateful to the ACCE Doctoral Training Partnership and NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) for financially supporting this opportunity.

Final Reflections

Global challenges require collaboration across borders, interdisciplinary thinking, and a deep appreciation of the local ecosystems and cultures involved. Termites may be small, but they offer big lessons.

As I return to my PhD with muddy boots and a notebook full of new ideas, I carry with me not only new skills and datasets—but a renewed passion for science that makes a difference.

Find out more about studying a PhD a the University of York.