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In a research article, published in "Basic and Applied Ecology" in 2000, the authors T. Becker and S. Getzin described dynamics and characteristics of the so-called fairy circles in Kaokoland (North-West Namibia). They stated that the foraging activity of the harvester termite Hodotermes mossambicus Hagen, which is widely distributed in Southern Africa, results in conspicuous, circular, vegetationless patches (fairy circles), surrounded by densely packed grass tussocks. The authors concluded that

a) foraging and nesting characteristics of H. mossambicus determine the occurrence of the fairy circles

b) grass species richness and assemblage influences the harvesting pattern of H. mossambicus

c) dfferences in the intensity of foraging of H. mossambicus may cause different diameters of the circular forms

d) the diameter of the circles is limited by the temperature sensitivity of H. mossambicus Becker and Getzin’s statements regarding basic termite biology are based on literature data published in the late 1950’s and the author’s fieldwork was restricted to few weeks in March/April 2000. The objective of the present opinion paper was to write a comment upon the findings of Becker and Getzin and to encourage future research, which will result in a sound theory about the origin of the fairy circles in Namibia.