34,000-Year-Old Active Termite Hills Discovered Near the Buffels River in South Africa

In the arid region of Namaqualand near the Buffels River in South Africa, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery: termite mounds that are still inhabited and have been standing for more than 30,000 years. 

These ancient termite hills, now confirmed as the oldest known active termite mounds in the world, have stunned researchers with their age and resilience.

Radiocarbon dating of samples from these mounds, conducted by researchers from Stellenbosch University, revealed their astonishing age of 34,000 years. 

"We knew they were old, but not that old," said Michele Francis, a senior lecturer in the university's Department of Soil Science who led the study. 

Her research, published in May, indicates that these mounds existed during a time when sabre-toothed cats and woolly mammoths roamed the Earth, and large parts of Europe and Asia were covered in ice. 

These termite mounds predate some of the earliest cave paintings in Europe.

Prior to this discovery, the oldest known inhabited termite mounds were in Brazil and estimated to be around 4,000 years old. 

These Brazilian mounds are so vast they can be seen from space. 

The Namaqualand mounds, however, are a hidden gem of ancient biological architecture, nestled in the dry landscape and largely overlooked until now.

Francis describes the Namaqualand mounds as a termite version of an "apartment complex." 

These mounds have been consistently inhabited by termite colonies for millennia, creating a stable and thriving ecosystem. 

Locally known as "heuweltjies," meaning little hills in Afrikaans, some of these mounds measure around 100 feet (30 meters) across and have nests that extend as deep as 10 feet underground.

The discovery of the mounds' age began when samples were sent to experts in Hungary for radiocarbon dating. 

The results were astonishing, revealing the immense antiquity of these structures.

 "People don't know that these are special, ancient landscapes that are preserved there," Francis said.

The significance of these termite mounds goes beyond their age. 

The mounds offer a unique window into the prehistoric climate of Namaqualand, suggesting that the region was much wetter when the mounds were formed. 

The southern harvester termites, responsible for building these mounds, are adept at capturing and storing carbon by collecting twigs and dead wood, which they then bury deep into the soil. 

This process has significant benefits for climate change mitigation by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Furthermore, the termite mounds enrich the soil, creating fertile ground for wildflowers to bloom in an otherwise arid region. 

This phenomenon underscores the crucial role termites play in sustaining ecosystems.

Francis emphasizes that this discovery is more than just a fascinating look at ancient structures; it offers valuable lessons for modern science. 

The study of these termite mounds can provide insights into climate change, ecosystem sustainability, and even agricultural practices. 

"We will do well to study what the termites have done in the mounds. They were thought to be very boring," Francis remarked.

The team's meticulous work involved carefully excavating parts of the mounds to take samples, during which the termites entered "emergency mode" to fill in the holes. 

The researchers then fully reconstructed the mounds to protect the termites from predators like aardvarks.

The discovery of the 34,000-year-old active termite hills in South Africa is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of these small but mighty insects. 

These ancient mounds not only highlight the remarkable longevity of termite colonies but also provide invaluable insights into prehistoric climates and modern ecological practices. 

As scientists continue to unravel the secrets of these ancient structures, they may uncover new strategies for addressing contemporary environmental challenges and enhancing our understanding of Earth's complex ecosystems.