Dispersal in a Neotropical tree, Virola flexuosa (Myristicaceae): Does hunting of large vertebrates limit seed removal?


Abstract:

To understand how different frugivores impact dispersal, we studied theassemblage that feed on Virola flexuosa over a two-year period at two sites differing in huntingpressure in Ecuador. We focus on disperser effectiveness and test the hypothesis that seedremoval, influenced by differential visits of large-bodied frugivores, will differ between huntedand non-hunted sites. All visiting frugivores were identified, and fruit handling behavior and seed removal rates quantified. Seed traps were placed under fruiting trees to estimate crop sizeand fruit removal. Seventeen bird and three primate species were recorded foraging in V. flexuosa trees. Toucans and primates were the most important dispersers comprising nearly85% of visits with six toucan species recorded in 74% of visits. A proportionately largernumber of seeds were removed from fruiting trees at a non-hunted site (89.4%) than a huntedsite (66.8%). In addition, there were significantly more frugivore visits at the non-hunted thanthe hunted site. The differences in the frugivore assemblage and the number of seeds dispersedfrom individual trees between two structurally similar forest sites suggest dispersal limitationresulting from a decline in frugivores. © 2009 by the Ecological Society of America.

Año de publicación:

2009

Keywords:

  • ECUADOR
  • Dispersal limitation
  • Tropical Forest
  • Seed dispersal
  • Fruit removal
  • Toucans
  • Frugivory
  • Primates
  • Virola flexuosa

Fuente:

scopusscopus

Tipo de documento:

Article

Estado:

Acceso restringido

Áreas de conocimiento:

  • Ecología
  • Ecología

Áreas temáticas:

  • Temas específicos de la historia natural de las plantas
  • Animales
  • Mammalia