Directed seed dispersal towards areas with low conspecific tree density by a scatter-hoarding rodent.
Ecol Lett
; 15(12): 1423-9, 2012 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22958079
Scatter-hoarding animals spread out cached seeds to reduce density-dependent theft of their food reserves. This behaviour could lead to directed dispersal into areas with lower densities of conspecific trees, where seed and seedling survival are higher, and could profoundly affect the spatial structure of plant communities. We tested this hypothesis with Central American agoutis and Astrocaryum standleyanum palm seeds on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We radio-tracked seeds as they were cached and re-cached by agoutis, calculated the density of adult Astrocaryum trees surrounding each cache, and tested whether the observed number of trees around seed caches declined more than expected under random dispersal. Seedling establishment success was negatively dependent on seed density, and agoutis carried seeds towards locations with lower conspecific tree densities, thus facilitating the escape of seeds from natural enemies. This behaviour may be a widespread mechanism leading to highly effective seed dispersal by scatter-hoarding animals.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Roedores
/
Árvores
/
Comportamento Alimentar
/
Dispersão de Sementes
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ecol Lett
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Panamá
País de publicação:
Reino Unido