Influence of Golden Moles on Nematode Diversity in Kweek Grassland, Sovenga Hills, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of golden moles (<i>Amblysomus</i> sp.) on the abundance, diversity, and community structure of nematodes in kweek grass (<i>Cynodon dactylon</i>) within the Sovenga Hills of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Eight sites were sampled: four with active moles (sites: M1&ndash;M4), and four without (sites: T1&ndash;T4). Eighty soil samples were collected, and nematodes were extracted. A total of 23 nematode genera were identified, including 3 plant-parasitic and 20 free-living genera. The frequency of occurrence (FO) data showed that <i>Aphelenchus</i> sp. and <i>Acrobeles</i> sp. were the most prevalent nematodes, each occurring in 87.5% of the samples. In contrast, <i>Eucephalobus</i> sp., <i>Tripylina</i> sp., <i>Discolaimus</i> sp., and <i>Tylenchus</i> sp. had the lowest FO, appearing in only 12.5% of samples. The diversity indices (the Shannon index, the maturity index, and the plant-parasitic index) showed significant differences between the two environments. The Shannon index (H&prime;) and maturity index were the most effective indicators of ecosystem disturbance. The lowest H&prime; was found at T4 (1.7 &plusmn; 0.2), compared with a higher value at M1 (2.4 &plusmn; 0.1). The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed a positive correlation between <i>Ditylenchus</i> and the clay in the soil. In addition, <i>Cervidellus</i> was associated with soil pH. Network analysis revealed increased complexity in the nematode community structure at mole-affected sites. These findings suggest that mole activity alters soil properties and indirectly affects nematode diversity and trophic structure.