More than 25% of termite species inhabiting tropical forests of South America build conspicuous nests. Their nests are remarkable components of the ecosystems composition and influence the biodiversity of a wide variety of organisms from functional groups other than termites. Thus, the evaluation of abundance and distribution of nests may represent an additional tool in the analysis of habitat quality in tropical forests. The density and volume of conspicuous nests were estimated in an east-west direction along Paraiba state, in order to assess the variation of these factors among the studied areas. The study was carried out in eight areas of the Atlantic Forest domain (including humid highland forests – "Brejos de Altitude") and Caatinga. The density of nests was estimated from six plots (65 x 20 m) randomly established. In these plots, all nests with volume > 2,0 liters were analyzed. There was significative variation among areas in relation to nest density (F=2,4; P=0,03) and volume (F=2,45; P=0,03). Nests had a greater density in Caatinga areas. The highest density value in this area was represented mainly by \textit{Constrictotermes cyphergaster}, species with strong performance in nutrient cycling in the areas of this domain. There was a negative and significant relationship between the species composition and the rainfall of the areas (r=-0,71; P=0,04; N=8). The results indicate an influence of environmental variables, such as rainfall, in nest density and distribution, and in the population size of termites throughout the studied gradient. Financial support: CNPq, CAPES