A future fynbos prospect

Termite mounds or termitaria of this shape are not often seen in the fynbos veld near Hermanus. Once fynbos is stripped away, the land left neglected under eucalyptus invasion, the entire ecological character shifts.

Soil‑cementing termites thrive in such places. The tall, conical, cemented shape characterises their building in arid or degraded landscapes. In undisturbed fynbos they build long-living frass domes seen in healthy fynbos. These structures appear as tiny, crumbly piles or low domes, often only up to 40 cm across, found at surface openings of subterranean nests. These are common in moderately moist fynbos where the soil is loose and the vegetation intact.

Remove the fynbos, leave the tyres and other rubbish, and be blessed with the new style neighbours in nature. The setting in the photo suggests that the termites have adapted (https://scholar.sun.ac.za).