Using mutualistic networks to evaluate the ecological functionality of restored ecosystems

• Grant number: 13/00119-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: July 07, 2013
• End date: December 06, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues
• Grantee: Fernanda Ribeiro da Silva
• Supervisor: Jane Memmott
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Bristol, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 10/01861-1 - Mutualistic networks in the evaluation of interactions between frugivorous birds and restored areas of different ages., BP.DR

Abstract

Forest restoration intends not only to increase species diversity, but to also restore ecological processes, such as seed dispersal. Therefore forest restoration techniques must involve the selection of plant species that when planted maximize seed dispersal. Few studies have addressed the return of functionality in restored tropical forest sites based on the analysis of plant-frugivore networks. We will analyze three plant-bird mutualistic networks in ecosystems that were restored with a high diversity of plant species. By quantifying the structure of network interactions we intend to evaluate if sustainable restoration of biodiversity and ecological functioning is being achieved. (AU)