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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Seasonal Variation in the Fate of Seeds under Contrasting Logging Regimes

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Author(s):
Fleury, Marina [1, 2] ; Rodrigues, Ricardo R. [2] ; do Couto, Hilton T. Z. [3] ; Galetti, Mauro [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Ecol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, USP ESALQ, Dept Ciencias Biol, Lab Ecol & Restauracao Florestal, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] USP ESALQ, Dept Ciencias Florestais, Lab Metodos Quantitat, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 9, n. 3 MAR 10 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Seed predators and dispersers may drive the speed and structure of forest regeneration in natural ecosystems. Rodents and ants prey upon and disperse seeds, yet empirical studies on the magnitude of these effects are lacking. Here, we examined the role of ants and rodents on seed predation in 4 plant species in a successional gradient on a tropical rainforest island. We found that (1) seeds are mostly consumed rather than dispersed; (2) rates of seed predation vary by habitat, season, and species; (3) seed size, shape, and hardness do not affect the probability of being depredated. Rodents were responsible for 70% of seed predation and were negligible (0.14%) seed dispersers, whereas ants were responsible for only 2% of seed predation and for no dispersal. We detected seasonal and habitat effects on seed loss, with higher seed predation occurring during the wet season and in old-growth forests. In the absence of predators regulating seed-consumer populations, the densities of these resilient animals explode to the detriment of natural regeneration and may reduce diversity and carrying capacity for consumers and eventually lead to ecological meltdown. (AU)