Termite foraging data from bait mass loss at eleven locations at the Jornada Basin LTER site, 1988-2000

This data package contains data on yearly mass loss of termite baits at the Jornada Basin LTER site in southern New Mexico, USA. Termites are important to litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in desert grasslands. This study measured annual feeding activity on paper baits by subterranean termites in desert shrubland and black-grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) grassland ecosystems over twelve years. Eleven sites, known as the "consumer plots" were included in the study. Toilet paper roll termite baits were placed on grids on each consumer plot. Data include initial bait weights before deployment, and bait weights after they were retrieved from the field each year. Mass loss of the baits was calculated as a measure of termite foraging activity. This study is complete.