Termite nests found 2,200 Year-Old

Bangui - Termites could be called a sophisticated technician being able to build a mound over 10 meters and width of 15 meters as a foundation. These mounds can regulate heat and air condition inside and used as breeding grounds for small insects.

But new findings reveal the structure of these mounds so incredible. Age of the house was a small insect called a minimum estimate.

"The age of this structure needs to be defined as a minimum estimate. Most nests is far older than those from previous estimates." the researchers said in the journal.

In Mimobo forests of central Africa, scientists discovered termite mounds over 2,200 years old and the oldest is referred to as the termite nest ever recorded - although previously there were fossilized.

Other mounds were found to be at least 750 years, and it is certain 'buildings' ancient it is not an anomaly.

These findings indicate termite using the same structure for centuries.

A number of parties had claimed there are 4,000-year-old termite nests in South Africa, and insects maker of this structure is referred to as the creator of the geological structure known in the country as Heuweltjies.

However, recent evidence suggests the condition is caused by soil erosion.

Termites place Gathered

Such mounds built

by termites species Macrotermes falciger, in the forest area Mimobo in Lububashi in Upper Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Insects use mound about 800 to 500 years ago, especially during the summer in the region.

"The large size of the mound once this structure is showing its age exceeds one queen termite, which rarely exceeds 20 years," the scientists wrote in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology as quoted by the BBC,

Researchers led by Hans Erens of the University of Ghent in Belgium and the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo to measure the age of termites by using a technique called carbon 14.

They examined the radioactive isotope carbon 14 ratios in the soil used to make the termite mounds. Isotope ratios indicate the age of the structure.

The researchers also took samples in the vertical axis of each mound. From the mound studied, two of whom were active with termites gathered at the top of the structure.

Still active

From some of these mounds, two of which are known to have not used anymore by termites.

The results of the sample structure 3.5 meter high and amounted to more than 6 meters, known 'home' is a big no longer active. Age of land used to build the structure are rapidly down getting older, between 2,335 to 2,119 years ago.

Smaller mounds showed a similar profile to the foundation of 796 to 684 years old.

Termite nests are still actively looking more modern, while the larger one was built with the age-old land between 766 to 675 years.

This condition ensures that termites build nests remained the same for centuries. 2,200-year-old mound thought to have been abandoned for decades termites.

But recent studies show that the termite nest is still active between 800-500 years ago, during the summer in the region.