Common Ground
In Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, an intriguing coexistence unfolds between humans and termites. Towering termite mounds punctuate the urban landscape, some as tall as the houses that surround them. These industrious insects serve as a vital food source for both people and their livestock, while the calcium-rich clay from their mounds provides essential minerals for pregnant women. Yet, despite their utility, the termite mounds persistently expand, gradually engulfing their surroundings. This urban coexistence can be viewed as mutually beneficial, as termites have access to scavenged food sources, such as discarded organic materials, not typically found in the wild.