Recent trends in the populations of termites and ants in a Panama jungle: implications for biomonitoring and early alert systems

Insect populations are collapsing due to habitat destruction and the use of pesticides. The present work seeks to use an insect database collected from 2001 to 2015 to explore recent trends in termites populations (Blattodea: isoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in a Panama jungle, located in the Panama Canal. Insects have short life cycles and respond efficiently to many forms of disturbance, and therefore can be used as cost-efficient tools for long-term ecosystems monitoring.