Aims: Termite activity is a key driver of soil heterogeneity and ecosystem functioning in tropical landscapes, yet its role in degraded bow & eacute; ecosystems remains under-quantified. This study assessed how termite mounds influence woody plant communities in the semi-arid Sudanese zone of northern Benin (Banikoara municipality). Location: Banikoara municipality, the semi-arid Sudanese zone of northern Benin. Methods: Floristic and dendrometric data were collected from 58 plots (29 mound-influenced and 29 adjacent non-mound plots). Data were tested for normality and homogeneity of variance, then analysed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlations and ordination models in R v4.4.2. Results: Mound plots exhibited significantly higher species richness, tree density, basal area, aboveground biomass and carbon stock. Tree density, mean height and species richness were strong predictors of carbon variation (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed evidence for a strong localised effect caused by termite mound presence. However, functional trait distributions overlapped, suggesting functional redundancy in the community. Conclusion: These results highlight termite mounds as 'fertility islands' that enhance biodiversity and carbon sequestration while supporting resilient ecosystem functions. By demonstrating how termite mounds structure tree community composition, boost carbon-rich productivity hotspots and foster ecological resilience through functional redundancy, this study underscores the critical role of termite mounds as nature-based solutions for restoring degraded semi-arid landscapes and addressing climate change mitigation in West Africa.