Termitaria and Vegetation Patterns on the Loita Plains of Kenya

Abstract

The Loita and contiguous plains areas of Kenya are described, with details of their geology, soils, climate and general ecology. The plains are mainly open grassland which is subjected to frequent burning and heavy grazing. The striking vegetation patterns which are characteristic of the Loita plains are shown to be associated with the regular distribution of low termite mounds. The vegetation patterns and underlying soils are described in detail and it is suggested that the patterns develop on soil zones containing varying concentrations of colloidal matter washed from the termite mounds at their centre. The shape of the pattern is influenced by topography.