Wood-degrading Isopterofauna of some woods species in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon

Wood degradation by termites is a major concern for researchers, builders of timber-frame houses and stored wood products. This study aimed to determine the wood-degrading Isopterofauna in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon. Woods deposits and joineries workshops in the two cities were investigated monthly over 12 months, and termites were collected from wood species identified by their vernacular names. A total of 44 samples of wood-attacking termites were collected, grouped into two families (Rhinotermitidae, Termitidae), six subfamilies (Rhinotermitinae, Apicotermitinae, Coptotermitinae, Macrotermitinae, Nasutermitinae and Termitinae) and nine species. The species Nasutitermes arborum (14 samples) and Schedorhinotermes putorius (12 samples) were the most common in the city of Yaoundé. Only three species were found in Douala, mainly Coptotermes sp. (three samples). Of the 21 wood species examined in the two cities, Entandrophragma cylindricum hosted the highest termite species richness (six species). These findings are a milestone in the study of termites on lumber in storage and could be used by researchers and agents in the timber industry to make decisions regarding the application of pesticides on wood.