Species Richness and Seed Dispersal to Secondary Woods in Southern Poland

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Dzwonko ◽  
Stefania Loster
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Southern Poland

scholarly journals Seed dispersal increases local species richness and reduces spatial turnover of tropical tree seedlings

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (40) ◽  
pp. 10689-10694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Wandrag ◽  
Amy E. Dunham ◽  
Richard P. Duncan ◽  
Haldre S. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Species Turnover ◽  
Spatial Diversity ◽  
Forest Composition ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Regional Patterns ◽  
Local Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersers ◽  
Open Question

Dispersal is thought to be a key process underlying the high spatial diversity of tropical forests. Just how important dispersal is in structuring plant communities is nevertheless an open question because it is very difficult to isolate dispersal from other processes, and thereby measure its effect. Using a unique situation, the loss of vertebrate seed dispersers on the island of Guam and their presence on the neighboring islands of Saipan and Rota, we quantify the contribution of vertebrate seed dispersal to spatial patterns of diversity of tree seedlings in treefall gaps. The presence of vertebrate seed dispersers approximately doubled seedling species richness within canopy gaps and halved species turnover among gaps. Our study demonstrates that dispersal plays a key role in maintaining local and regional patterns of diversity, and highlights the potential for ongoing declines in vertebrate seed dispersers to profoundly alter tropical forest composition.

scholarly journals Interspecific Difference in Seed Dispersal Characteristics between Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata) and Sympatric Japanese Martens (Martes melampus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 711-720
Author(s):  
Yamato Tsuji ◽  
Risma Yanti ◽  
Atsushi Takizawa ◽  
Toshio Hagiwara
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Macaca Fuscata ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Japanese Macaques ◽  
Interspecific Difference ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Plant Seeds ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Martes Melampus

We compared the characteristics of seeds within faeces between semi-terrestrial Japanese macaques (<i>Macaca fuscata</i>) and sympatric arboreal Japanese martens (<i>Martes melampus</i>) in Shiga Heights, central Japan. We collected faecal samples of the two mammalian species for 1 year (<i>n</i> = 229 for macaques and <i>n</i> = 22 for martens). We then compared the proportion of seed occurrence, life-form composition, number of seeds and species richness within single faecal samples, and the seed intact ratio between the two mammalian species. We detected seeds from 20 and 7 species from macaque and marten faeces, respectively. Macaque faeces contained seeds of multiple strata, while marten faeces contained no herbaceous plant seeds. Seed sizes within faeces showed no interspecific difference. For macaques, seeds were found within faecal samples collected in late spring to late fall, while for martens, seeds were found between summer and winter. The proportion of seed occurrence was greater in summer (both species) and fall (macaques), which implied that the seed dispersal roles of macaques and martens was greater in these seasons. The mean seed number (across species), intact ratio of seeds (high for both species) and seed species richness within single faecal samples of macaques and martens showed no significant differences, but for several species, martens defecated more seeds than macaques and showed higher intact ratio. Our study indicates that sympatric mammals in the temperate regions of Japan contribute differently to seed dispersal in forest ecosystems.

Successional status, seed dispersal mode and overstorey species influence tree regeneration in tropical rain-forest fragments in Western Ghats, India

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anand M. Osuri ◽  
Dayani Chakravarthy ◽  
Divya Mudappa ◽  
T. R. Shankar Raman ◽  
N. Ayyappan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Tropical Rain Forests ◽  
Rain Forests ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Successional Species ◽  
The Western Ghats

Abstract:The effects of fragmentation and overstorey tree diversity on tree regeneration were assessed in tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats, India. Ninety plots were sampled for saplings (1–5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh); 5×5-m plots) and overstorey trees (>9.55 cm dbh; 20×20-m plots) within two fragments (32 ha and 18 ha) and two continuous forests. We tested the hypotheses that fragmentation and expected seed-dispersal declines (1) reduce sapling densities and species richness of all species and old-growth species, and increase recruitment of early-successional species, (2) reduce the prevalence of dispersed recruits and (3) increase influence of local overstorey on sapling densities and richness. Continuous forests and fragments had similar sapling densities and species richness overall, but density and richness of old-growth species declined by 62% and 48%, respectively, in fragments. Fragments had 39% lower densities and 24% lower richness of immigrant saplings (presumed dispersed into sites as conspecific adults were absent nearby), and immigrant densities of old-growth bird-dispersed species declined by 79%. Sapling species richness (overall and old-growth) increased with overstorey species richness in fragments, but was unrelated to overstorey richness in continuous forests. Our results show that while forest fragments retain significant sapling diversity, losses of immigrant recruits and increased overstorey influence strengthen barriers to natural regeneration of old-growth tropical rain forests.

scholarly journals The mismatch in distributions of vertebrates and the plants that they disperse

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob W. Dittel ◽  
Christopher M. Moore ◽  
Stephen B. Vander Wall
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
North America ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Geographical Data ◽  
Animal Distribution ◽  
Project Idea ◽  
Plant Data

AbstractLittle is known about how mutualistic interactions affect the distribution of species richness on broad geographic scales. It has been predicted that the richness of species involved in obligate mutualisms should be positively associated across their range. Whereas, if mutualisms are facilitative, the distribution of mutualists should be correlated with other factors. This study is the first study to compare the co-distribution of mutualist species in general and seed dispersal mutualisms specifically. We used geographic distributions of plant and animal mutualists to investigate the co-distribution and patterns of seed dispersal mutualisms. We found the mutualism between dispersers and plants does not account for the distribution of either group. In fact, there is a mismatch of richness between plants and the animals that disperse their seeds. Environmental factors are better predictors of both animal distribution and seed dispersal mutualisms across North America.Statement of authorshipJD, CM, and SV conceived the original project idea. Plant data were compiled and analyzed by CM and SV, and JD compiled animal and environmental data. JD standardized and formatted all geographical data, and JD and CM performed all statistical analyses. JD wrote the first draft of the manuscript, and all authors contributed significantly to the revisions.

scholarly journals USE OF RESTORATION PLANTINGS TO ENHANCE BIRD SEED DISPERSAL AT THE ROADSIDE: FAILURES AND PROSPECTS

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocío de TORRE ◽  
María Dolores JIMÉNEZ ◽  
Álvaro RAMÍREZ ◽  
Ignacio MOLA ◽  
Miguel A. CASADO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Bird Droppings ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

Plantings are commonly used in roadside reclamation for ornamental purposes and for increasing slope stability and road safety. However, the role of these plantings in restoring ecological processes, such as seed dispersal, has received little attention. We carried out a study to assess the potential role of plantings on roadside embankments to attract frugivorous birds and to enhance seed dispersal mediated by birds from the surrounding landscape. We examined: (1) bird species richness and abundance; (2) patterns of avian spatial distribution within embankments and (3) seed dispersal mediated by birds. Bird richness and abundance did not differ between embankments with and without plantings. However, birds were not distributed randomly within embankments, with levels of species richness and abundance for facultative frugivorous between 4.8–8 times higher in areas closer to plantings. An analysis of bird droppings showed that birds only dispersed seeds of the planted species since no seeds of woody plants from matrices were detected. These results suggest that plantings acted as selective bird attractors, providing food and perches for frugivorous species. Nevertheless, the scarcity of seed-dispersing birds in the surrounding agricultural landscape prevented plantings from enhancing seed dispersal and connectivity to adjacent habitat.

scholarly journals Endozoochorous dispersal by herbivores and omnivores is mediated by germination conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorour Karimi ◽  
Mahmoud-Reza Hemami ◽  
Mostafa Tarkesh Esfahani ◽  
Christophe Baltzinger
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Wild Boar ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Dispersal Vectors

Abstract Background: Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is probably the main long distance dispersal mode. Through endozoochory, large mammals act as mobile links between habitats within and among forest patches. Along with other factors, their feeding regimes do affect their contribution as dispersal vectors. We conducted a cross-species comparative experiment involving two herbivores, red deer and roe deer; and two opportunistic omnivores, wild boar and brown bear, all occurring in the forest and steppe-forest ecotone habitats of the south-eastern Caspian region. We compared their role as endozoochorous seed dispersal agents by monitoring seedling emergence in their dungs under greenhouse and natural conditions. Results: In total, 3078 seedlings, corresponding to 136 plant taxa sprouted from 445 paired dung sub-samples, under greenhouse and natural conditions. Only 336 seedlings, corresponding to 36 plant taxa, emerged under natural conditions, among which five taxa did not appear under greenhouse conditions. Graminoids and forbs composed 91% of the seedlings in the greenhouse whereas shrubs were more abundant under natural conditions, representing 55% of the emerged seedlings. Under greenhouse conditions, first red deer and then wild boar dispersed more species than the other two mammals, while under natural conditions brown bear was the most effective vector. We observed remarkably higher species richness and seedling abundance per dung sub-sample under buffered greenhouse conditions than we did under natural conditions. Conclusions: The four sympatric mammals studied provided different seed dispersal services, both in terms of seedling abundance and species richness and may therefore be regarded as complementary. Our results highlight a positive bias when only considering germination under buffered greenhouse conditions. This must be taken into account when planning management options to benefit plant biodiversity based on the dispersal services concluded from greenhouse experiments.

scholarly journals Hydrozetes species (Acari, Oribatida) at bog ponds and pools in the Tatra National Park and Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska) in southern Poland

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Mistrzak ◽  
Anna Seniczak ◽  
Stanisław Seniczak
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
National Park ◽  
The Other ◽  
Acid Water ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
Lower Abundance ◽  
Water Conditions ◽  
Tatra National Park

Hydrozetesspecies (Acari, Oribatida) at bog ponds and pools in the Tatra National Park and Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska) in southern PolandTheHydrozetesfauna was investigated at the edges of 4 ponds and pools with acid water in southern Poland. Mites of this genus achieved the highest mean abundance (6x104ind./m2) at a pond in the Tatra National Park (Staw Toporowy Niżni; pH = 3.9; 1089 m a.s.l.).H. confervaedominated there (98%), accompanied byH. octosetosusandH. lacustris. The same species were also present at a nearby pond (Staw Toporowy Wyżni; pH 3.9; 1120 m a.s.l.), but in significantly lower numbers. In the bogs of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin, at the edge of pool in Kaczmarka (pH 3.6; 650 m a.s.l.),H. lacustrisandH. octosetosuswere present, and the former species dominated (73%). The latter species is interesting, because it was not recorded in Europe until recently. At the other pool, in Łysa Puścizna (pH 4.5; 650 m a.s.l.), onlyH. lacustriswas present. The lower abundance and species richness ofHydrozetesat the bog pools in the Orawa-Nowy-Targ Basin, in comparison to the Tatra National Park, was probably caused by poorer water conditions, due to more advanced succession, peat exploitation and disturbed water conditions in the Basin.

scholarly journals Simplified Communities of Seed-Dispersers Limit the Composition and Flow of Seeds in Edge Habitats

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onja H. Razafindratsima ◽  
Nasandratra Nancia Raoelinjanakolona ◽  
Rio R. Heriniaina ◽  
Rindra H. Nantenaina ◽  
Tianasoa H. Ratolojanahary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Seed Size ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Adult Trees

Edge effects, driven by human modification of landscapes, can have critical impacts on ecological processes such as species interactions, with cascading impacts on biodiversity as a whole. Characterizing how edges affect vital biotic interactions such as seed dispersal by frugivores is important for better understanding potential mechanisms that drive species coexistence and diversity within a plant community. Here, we investigated how differences between frugivore communities at the forest edge and interior habitats of a diverse tropical rainforest relate to patterns of animal-mediated seed dispersal and early seedling recruitment. We found that the lemur communities across the forest edge-interior gradient in this system showed the highest species richness and variability in body sizes at intermediate distances; the community of birds showed the opposite pattern for species richness. Three large-bodied frugivores, known to be effective dispersers of large seeds, tended to avoid the forest edge. As result, the forest edges received a lower rate of animal-mediated seed dispersal compared to the interior habitats. In addition, we also found that the seeds that were actively dispersed by animals in forest edge habitats were smaller in size than seeds dispersed in the forest interior. This pattern was found despite a similarity in seed size of seasonally fruiting adult trees and shrubs between the two habitats. Despite these differences in dispersal patterns, we did not observe any differences in the rates of seedling recruitment or seed-size distribution of successful recruit species. Our results suggest that a small number of frugivores may act as a potential biotic filter, acting on seed size, for the arrival of certain plant species to edge habitats, but other factors may be more important for driving recruitment patterns, at least in the short term. Further research is needed to better understand the potential long-term impacts of altered dispersal regimes relative to other environmental factors on the successional dynamics of edge communities. Our findings are important for understanding potential ecological drivers of tree community changes in forest edges and have implications for conservation management and restoration of large-seeded tree species in disturbed habitats.

scholarly journals Sensitive species in a bad habitat – species richness of ichthyofauna in the strongly anthropogenically transformed Uszwica River (southern Poland)

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-56
Author(s):  
Mariusz Klich ◽  
Sabina Klich
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
20Th Century ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Red List ◽  
Sensitive Species ◽  
Threatened Fish ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
The Town

The Uszwica River is a 67 km long right-bank submountain tributary of the Vistula. From the beginning of the 20th century the Uszwica was subjected to strong anthropopressure. The water course was disrupted at km 37 + 300 with a 5.3-meter-high dam in the town of Brzesko. Strong pollution of water in this town and numerous hydrotechnical alterations along almost the entire course of the river have negative influence on the river habitats. Despite this, the Uszwica is characterized by relatively rich ichthyofauna composed of 26 species, including 6 species which are legally protected in Poland and 7 species regarded threatened according to the Polish Red List of fish and lampreys [1]. The composition of ichthyofauna was determined on the basis of electrofishing along the entire river in 2004 and 2015, and on selected reaches in 2014 and 2018. The results show that even heavily anthropogenically transformed rivers may provide habitats for threatened fish species and should not be excluded from nature protection plans and projects.

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