Biodiversity & Ecology

Journal of the Division Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants , Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, University of Hamburg.

1 Description Book chapter 1 Open Access

What is a fairy circle?

Norbert Jürgens

Article first published online: 15 December 2022

*Corresponding author contact: norbert.juergens@uni-hamburg.de

<< Volume 7

Biodiversity & Ecology (Biodivers. Ecol.)

Volume 7, pages 14-17,

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Abstract: In Chapter 1 we refer to the first published photo of fairy circles. At this type locality, the fairy circles are inhabited by sand termite colonies of the genus Psammotermes that kill the grass within the bare patch by localized herbivory in the roots. The soil is formed by unconsolidated permeable sand. In this chapter we also discuss other terms that are used to describe fairy circles and similar structures.

Suggested citation:
Jürgens, N. (2022): What is a fairy circle? – In: Schmiedel, U. & Finckh, M. (Eds.) Fairy circles of the Namib Desert – Ecosystem engineering by subterranean social insects. – Biodiversity & Ecology 7: 14-17.