Patterns and inferred causes of liana mortality in a tropical forest.

Lianas are major contributors to tropical forest dynamics, yet we know little about their mortality. Using overlapping censuses of the lianas and trees across a 50 ha stand of moist tropical forest, we contrasted community-wide patterns of liana mortality with relatively well-studied patterns of tree mortality to quantify patterns of liana death and identify contributing factors. Liana mortality rates were 172% higher than tree mortality rates, but species-level mortality rates of lianas were similar to trees with 'fast' life-history strategies and both growth forms exhibited similar spatial and size-dependent patterns. The mortality rates of liana saplings (<2.1 cm in diameter), which represent about 50% of liana individuals, decreased with increasing disturbance severity and remained consistently low during post-disturbance stand thinning. In contrast, larger liana individuals and trees of all sizes had elevated mortality rates in response to disturbance and their mortality rates decreased over time since disturbance. Within undisturbed forest patches, liana mortality rates increased with increasing soil fertility in a manner similar to trees. The distinct responses of liana saplings to disturbance appeared to distinguish liana mortality from that of trees, whereas similarities in their patterns of death suggest that there are common drivers of woody plant mortality.

Negative density dependence characterizes mutualistic interactions between birds and fruiting plants across latitudes.

Negative density dependence (NDD) in biotic interactions of interference such as plant-plant competition, granivory and herbivory are well-documented mechanisms that promote species' coexistence in diverse plant communities worldwide. Here, we investigated the generality of a novel type of NDD mechanism that operates through the mutualistic interactions of frugivory and seed dispersal among fruit-eating birds and plants. By sampling community-wide frugivory interactions at high spatial and temporal resolution in Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Peru, Brazil and Argentina, we evaluated whether interaction frequencies between birds and fruit resources occurred more often (selection), as expected, or below expectations (under-utilization) set by the relative fruit abundance of the fruit resources of each plant species. Our models considered the influence of temporal scales of fruit availability and bird phylogeny and diets, revealing that NDD characterizes frugivory across communities. Irrespective of taxa or dietary guild, birds tended to select fruits of plant species that were proportionally rare in their communities, or that became rare following phenological fluctuations, while they mostly under-utilized abundant fruit resources. Our results demonstrate that negative density-dependence in frugivore-plant interactions provides a strong equalizing mechanism for the dispersal processes of fleshy-fruited plant species in temperate and tropical communities, likely contributing to building and sustaining plant diversity. This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversitydependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'.

Population size regulation is density-dependent in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) through an irritability mechanism

BACKGROUND Physical factors can determine the level of triatomine abundance, but do not regulate their population densities, and neither do natural enemies. OBJECTIVES To identify the processes associated with density-dependent triatomine population regulation. METHODS We set-up a laboratory experiment with four interconnected boxes; the central box harbored Rhodnius prolixus bugs and one hamster. Stage 5 and adult densities of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 bugs per hamster, were replicated four times (except the density of 60 bugs). Hamster's irritability and several triatomine responses were measured: feeding, development time and longevity, mortality, fecundity, dispersal, and the net reproductive value (R o ). FINDINGS Density had a statistically significant effect on irritability, but not on the percent of bugs feeding. Density was significant on blood meal size ingested in bugs that did not move between boxes, but not significant when the bugs moved. Density and irritability affected the proportion of stage 5 nymphs molting, and the proportion of adult bugs dying per day and over a three-week period. There was a highly significant effect of density and irritability on R o . MAIN CONCLUSIONS We showed that a density-dependent mechanism, acting through the irritability of the host, seems the most plausible process regulating populations in triatomines.

Habitat Quality Differentiation and Consequences for Ecosystem Service Provision of an Amazonian Hyperdominant Tree Species.

Ecosystem services of Amazonian forests are disproportionally produced by a limited set of hyperdominant tree species. Yet the spatial variation in the delivery of ecosystem services by individual hyperdominant species across their distribution ranges and corresponding environmental gradients is poorly understood. Here, we use the concept of habitat quality to unravel the effect of environmental gradients on seed production and aboveground biomass (AGB) of the Brazil nut, one of Amazonia's largest and most long-lived hyperdominants. We find that a range of climate and soil gradients create trade-offs between density and fitness of Brazil nut trees. Density responses to environmental gradients were in line with predictions under the Janzen-Connell and Herms-Mattson hypotheses, whereas tree fitness responses were in line with resource requirements of trees over their life cycle. These trade-offs resulted in divergent responses in area-based seed production and AGB. While seed production and AGB of individual trees (i.e., fitness) responded similarly to most environmental gradients, they showed opposite tendencies to tree density for almost half of the gradients. However, for gradients creating opposite fitness-density responses, area-based seed production was invariable, while trends in area-based AGB tended to mirror the response of tree density. We conclude that while the relation between environmental gradients and tree density is generally indicative of the response of AGB accumulation in a given area of forest, this is not necessarily the case for fruit production.

Density-dependent condition of juvenile penaeid shrimps in seagrass-dominated aquatic vegetation beds located at different distance from a tidal inlet.

Seagrasses are critical habitats for the recruitment and growth of juvenile penaeid shrimps within estuaries and coastal lagoons. The location of a seagrass bed within the lagoon can determine the value of a particular bed for shrimp populations. Consequently, differences in the abundance of shrimp can be found in seagrasses depending on their location. As shrimp density increases, density-dependent effects on biological parameters are more likely to occur. However, knowledge about density-dependent processes on shrimp populations in nursery habitats remains limited. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of population density on shrimp condition in two selected seagrass beds, located at different distance from a tidal inlet, one 25 km away (distant) and the other 1 km away (nearby), in a subtropical coastal lagoon. The study was based on monthly samplings during one year in Laguna Madre (Mexico), performing a total of 36 shrimp trawls (100 m2 each one) within each seagrass bed (n = 3 trawls per bed per month for 12 months). Shrimp density was related to the proximity to the tidal inlet (higher density was consistently observed in the nearby seagrass bed), which in turn adversely affected the condition of both species studied (Penaeus aztecus and P. duorarum). In this regard, the present study provides the first evidence of density-dependent effects on shrimp condition inhabiting a nursery habitat. Both shrimp species exhibited a negative relationship between condition and shrimp density. However, this pattern differed depending on the proximity to the tidal inlet, suggesting that shrimp populations inhabiting the nearby seagrass bed are exposed to density-dependent effects on condition; whereas, such effects were not detected in the distant seagrass bed. Shrimp density within the distant seagrass bed was probably below carrying capacity, which is suggested by the better shrimp condition observed in that area of the lagoon. Intra and interspecific competition for food items is surmised to occur, predominantly within seagrass beds near the tidal inlet. However, this hypothesis needs to be tested in future studies.

Extinction risk assessment of a Patagonian ungulate using population dynamics models under climate change scenarios.

Climate change affects population cycles of several species, threatening biodiversity. However, there are few long-term studies on species with conservation issues and restricted distributions. Huemul is a deer endemic to the southern Andes in South America and it is considered endangered mostly due to a 50% reduction of its distribution over the last 500 years. To assess environmental variables potentially affecting huemul population viability and the impact of climate change, we developed population dynamics models. We used a 14-year survey data from Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, coastal Chilean Patagonia. We used Ricker models considering winter and spring temperatures and precipitation as variables influencing huemul population dynamics. We used the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to select models with the greatest predictive power. The two best models (ΔBIC < 2) included winter temperature and density-dependence population growth drivers. The best model considered a lateral effect, where winter temperature influences carrying capacity and the second best a vertical effect with winter temperature influencing Rmax and carrying capacity. Population viability was evaluated using those models, projecting them over a 100-year period: (a) under current conditions and (b) under conditions estimated by Global Climate Models for 2050 and 2070. The extinction risk and quasi-extinction were estimated for this population considering two critical huemul abundance levels (15 and 30 individuals) for persistence. The population is currently in a quasi-extinction process, with extinction probabilities increasing with climate change. These results are crucial for conservation of species like huemul that have low densities and are threatened by climate change.

The effect of population density on growth and survival of a Neotropical annual killifish.

We used a field experiment to test the effects of population density on the growth rate and survival of Austrolebias bellottii, a Neotropical annual killifish. Effects differed between the sexes: males at high densities achieved a smaller final size and experienced higher mortality while no such effects were observed in females. This sex-specific effect could be an indirect consequence of mate competition.

Altered climate leads to positive density-dependent feedbacks in a tropical wet forest.

Climate change is predicted to result in warmer and drier Neotropical forests relative to current conditions. Negative density-dependent feedbacks, mediated by natural enemies, are key to maintaining the high diversity of tree species found in the tropics, yet we have little understanding of how projected changes in climate are likely to affect these critical controls. Over 3 years, we evaluated the effects of a natural drought and in situ experimental warming on density-dependent feedbacks on seedling demography in a wet tropical forest in Puerto Rico. In the +4°C warming treatment, we found that seedling survival increased with increasing density of the same species (conspecific). These positive density-dependent feedbacks were not associated with a decrease in aboveground natural enemy pressure. If positive density-dependent feedbacks are not transient, the diversity of tropical wet forests, which may rely on negative density dependence to drive diversity, could decline in a future warmer, drier world.

Urbanization and translocation disrupt the relationship between host density and parasite abundance.

The species interactions that structure natural communities are increasingly disrupted by radical habitat change resulting from the widespread processes of urbanization and species translocations. Although many species are disadvantaged by these changes, others thrive in these new environments, achieving densities that exceed those in natural habitats. Often the same species that benefit from urbanization are successful invaders in introduced habitats, suggesting that similar processes promote these species in both environments. Both processes may especially benefit certain species by modifying their interactions with harmful parasites ('enemy release'). To detect such modifications, we first need to identify the mechanisms underlying host-parasite associations in natural populations, then test whether they are disrupted in cities and introduced habitats. We studied the interaction between the cane toad Rhinella marina, a globally invasive species native to South America, and its Amblyomma ticks. Our field study of 642 cane toads across 46 sites within their native range in French Guiana revealed that 56% of toads carried ticks, and that toads with ticks were in poor body condition relative to uninfected conspecifics. Across natural and disturbed habitats tick prevalence and abundance increased with toad density, but this association was disrupted in the urban environment, where tick abundance remained low even where toad densities were high, and prevalence decreased with density. Reductions in the abundance of ticks in urban habitats may be attributable to pesticides (which are sprayed for mosquito control but are also lethal to ticks), and our literature review shows that tick abundance is generally lower in cane toads from urban habitats across South America. In the invasive range, ticks were either absent (in 1,960 toads from Puerto Rico, Hawai'i, Japan and Australia) or less abundant (in Florida and the Caribbean; literature review). The positive relationship between host density and parasite abundance is thought to be a key mechanism through which parasites regulate host populations; anthropogenic processes that disrupt this relationship may allow populations in urban and introduced habitats to persist at densities that would otherwise lead to severe impacts from parasites.

Density-dependent adult recruitment in a low-density tropical tree.

The Janzen-Connell hypothesis is a well-known explanation for why tropical forests have large numbers of tree species. A fundamental prediction of the hypothesis is that the probability of adult recruitment is less in regions of high conspecific adult density, a pattern mediated by density-dependent mortality in juvenile life stages. Although there is strong evidence in many tree species that seeds, seedlings, and saplings suffer conspecific density-dependent mortality, no study has shown that adult tree recruitment is negatively density dependent. Density-dependent adult recruitment is necessary for the Janzen-Connell mechanism to regulate tree populations. Here, we report density-dependent adult recruitment in the population of Handroanthus guayacan, a wind-dispersed Neotropical canopy tree species. We use data from high-resolution remote sensing to track individual trees with proven capacity to flower in a lowland moist forest landscape in Panama and analyze these data in a Bayesian framework similar to capture-recapture analysis. We independently quantify probabilities of adult tree recruitment and detection and show that adult recruitment is negatively density dependent. The annualized probability of adult recruitment was 3.03% ⋅ year-1 Despite the detection of negative density dependence in adult recruitment, it was insufficient to stabilize the adult population of H. guayacan, which increased significantly in size over the decade of observation.

Interspecific variation in conspecific negative density dependence can make species less likely to coexist.

Conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) is thought to promote plant species diversity. Theoretical studies showing the importance of CNDD often assumed that all species are equally susceptible to CNDD; however, recent empirical studies have shown species can differ greatly in their susceptibility to CNDD. Using a theoretical model, we show that interspecific variation in CNDD can dramatically alter its impact on diversity. First, if the most common species are the least regulated by CNDD, then the stabilising benefit of CNDD is reduced. Second, when seed dispersal is limited, seedlings that are susceptible to CNDD are at a competitive disadvantage. When parameterised with estimates of CNDD from a tropical tree community in Panama, our model suggests that the competitive inequalities caused by interspecific variation in CNDD may undermine many species' ability to persist. Thus, our model suggests that variable CNDD may make communities less stable, rather than more stable.

Best in the company of nearby males: female success in the threatened cycad, Zamia portoricensis.

Variation in plant reproductive success is affected by ecological conditions including the proximity of potential mates. We address the hypothesis that spatial distribution of sexes affects female reproductive success (RS) in the dioecious cycad, Zamia portoricensis. Are the frequencies of males, operational sex ratios, and distances to the nearest mate associated with RS in females? We studied the spatial distribution of sexes in two populations in Puerto Rico and compared RS of target females with the number of males and operational sex ratios. Population structure suggests regular successful recruitment. Adults, males, and females were randomly distributed with respect to one another. Reproductive success of females was highly variable, but was higher in neighborhoods with more males than females and generally decreased with increasing distance to the nearest male, becoming statistically significant beyond 190 cm. This possible mate-finding Allee effect indicates that pollinator movement among plants may be limited for this mutually dependent plant-pollinator interaction. Yet being close to male plants is a matter of chance, perhaps a factor generating the high intra-population genetic diversity in Z. portoricensis.

Rare genotype advantage promotes survival and genetic diversity of a tropical palm.

Negative density dependence, where survival decreases as density increases, is a well-established driver of species diversity at the community level, but the degree to which a similar process might act on the density or frequency of genotypes within a single plant species to maintain genetic diversity has not been well studied in natural systems. In this study, we determined the maternal genotype of naturally dispersed seeds of the palm Oenocarpus bataua within a tropical forest in northwest Ecuador, tracked the recruitment of each seed, and assessed the role of individual-level genotypic rarity on survival. We demonstrate that negative frequency-dependent selection within this species conferred a survival advantage to rare maternal genotypes and promoted population-level genetic diversity. The strength of the observed rare genotype survival advantage was comparable to the effect of conspecific density regardless of genotype. These findings corroborate an earlier, experimental study and implicate negative frequency-dependent selection of genotypes as an important, but currently underappreciated, determinant of plant recruitment and within-species genetic diversity. Incorporating intraspecific genetic variation into studies and theory of forest dynamics may improve our ability to understand and manage forests, and the processes that maintain their diversity.

The effect of size and density on nut removal in Syagrus loefgrenii Glassman (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado / Efeito do tamanho e densidade sobre a remoção de sementes em Syagrusloefgrenii Glassman (Arecaceae) no Cerrado brasileiro

In this study I tested the effect of Syagrus loefgrenii nut size and number on the intensity of removal by rodents across seasons. Trials were performed in which piles of either small or large endocarps (1, 3, 6, 12, and 25) were subjected to removal by rodents in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Despite of variations in the intensity of removal, always this process decrease conform endocarp number. Also, mean proportion of endocarp removal was unrelated to year period, initial number, and size of endocarps. Hence, endocarp removal was consistently negative density-dependent. As, in principle, the observed patterns of nut removal point out similar survival chances for both nut sizes, the pervasive negative density-dependent response emerges as a strategy in S. loefgrenii to swamp rodents all year round irrespective of seed size.(AU)

Avaliei o efeito do tamanho e densidade de endocarpos de Syagrus loefgrenii sobre a intensidade de remoção por roedores conforme a estação do ano. Para tanto, desenvolvi experimentos no Cerrado em que pilhas de endocarpos pequenos ou grandes (1, 3, 6, 12 e 25), foram sujeitos à remoção por roedores. Apesar da intensidade de remoção variar ao longo do ano, sempre esse processo teve relação inversa com o número de endocarpos. Além disso, em qualquer estação do ano, as proporções médias de endocarpos removidos sempre foram menores nas pilhas maiores, independentemente do tamanho dos endocarpos. Portanto, o processo de remoção de endocarpos foi negativamente dependente da densidade. Como, em princípio, os padrões de remoção em S. loefgrenii sugerem chances similares de sobrevivência tanto para endocarpos grandes, quanto pequenos, a preponderância de resposta negativamente dependente da densidade emerge como uma estratégia de S. loefgrenii voltada a saciar roedores em qualquer período do ano independentemente do tamanho de suas sementes.(AU)

The effect of size and density on nut removal in Syagrus loefgrenii Glassman (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado / Efeito do tamanho e densidade sobre a remoção de sementes em Syagrus loefgrenii Glassman (Arecaceae) no Cerrado brasileiro

Abstract In this study I tested the effect of Syagrus loefgrenii nut size and number on the intensity of removal by rodents across seasons. Trials were performed in which piles of either small or large endocarps (1, 3, 6, 12, and 25) were subjected to removal by rodents in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Despite of variations in the intensity of removal, always this process decrease conform endocarp number. Also, mean proportion of endocarp removal was unrelated to year period, initial number, and size of endocarps. Hence, endocarp removal was consistently negative density-dependent. As, in principle, the observed patterns of nut removal point out similar survival chances for both nut sizes, the pervasive negative density-dependent response emerges as a strategy in S. loefgrenii to swamp rodents all year round irrespective of seed size.

Resumo Avaliei o efeito do tamanho e densidade de endocarpos de Syagrus loefgrenii sobre a intensidade de remoção por roedores conforme a estação do ano. Para tanto, desenvolvi experimentos no Cerrado em que pilhas de endocarpos pequenos ou grandes (1, 3, 6, 12 e 25), foram sujeitos à remoção por roedores. Apesar da intensidade de remoção variar ao longo do ano, sempre esse processo teve relação inversa com o número de endocarpos. Além disso, em qualquer estação do ano, as proporções médias de endocarpos removidos sempre foram menores nas pilhas maiores, independentemente do tamanho dos endocarpos. Portanto, o processo de remoção de endocarpos foi negativamente dependente da densidade. Como, em princípio, os padrões de remoção em S. loefgrenii sugerem chances similares de sobrevivência tanto para endocarpos grandes, quanto pequenos, a preponderância de resposta negativamente dependente da densidade emerge como uma estratégia de S. loefgrenii voltada a saciar roedores em qualquer período do ano independentemente do tamanho de suas sementes.

The effect of size and density on nut removal in Syagrus loefgrenii Glassman (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract In this study I tested the effect of Syagrus loefgrenii nut size and number on the intensity of removal by rodents across seasons. Trials were performed in which piles of either small or large endocarps (1, 3, 6, 12, and 25) were subjected to removal by rodents in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Despite of variations in the intensity of removal, always this process decrease conform endocarp number. Also, mean proportion of endocarp removal was unrelated to year period, initial number, and size of endocarps. Hence, endocarp removal was consistently negative density-dependent. As, in principle, the observed patterns of nut removal point out similar survival chances for both nut sizes, the pervasive negative density-dependent response emerges as a strategy in S. loefgrenii to swamp rodents all year round irrespective of seed size.

Resumo Avaliei o efeito do tamanho e densidade de endocarpos de Syagrus loefgrenii sobre a intensidade de remoção por roedores conforme a estação do ano. Para tanto, desenvolvi experimentos no Cerrado em que pilhas de endocarpos pequenos ou grandes (1, 3, 6, 12 e 25), foram sujeitos à remoção por roedores. Apesar da intensidade de remoção variar ao longo do ano, sempre esse processo teve relação inversa com o número de endocarpos. Além disso, em qualquer estação do ano, as proporções médias de endocarpos removidos sempre foram menores nas pilhas maiores, independentemente do tamanho dos endocarpos. Portanto, o processo de remoção de endocarpos foi negativamente dependente da densidade. Como, em princípio, os padrões de remoção em S. loefgrenii sugerem chances similares de sobrevivência tanto para endocarpos grandes, quanto pequenos, a preponderância de resposta negativamente dependente da densidade emerge como uma estratégia de S. loefgrenii voltada a saciar roedores em qualquer período do ano independentemente do tamanho de suas sementes.

The effect of size and density on nut removal in Syagrus loefgrenii Glassman (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract In this study I tested the effect of Syagrus loefgrenii nut size and number on the intensity of removal by rodents across seasons. Trials were performed in which piles of either small or large endocarps (1, 3, 6, 12, and 25) were subjected to removal by rodents in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Despite of variations in the intensity of removal, always this process decrease conform endocarp number. Also, mean proportion of endocarp removal was unrelated to year period, initial number, and size of endocarps. Hence, endocarp removal was consistently negative density-dependent. As, in principle, the observed patterns of nut removal point out similar survival chances for both nut sizes, the pervasive negative density-dependent response emerges as a strategy in S. loefgrenii to swamp rodents all year round irrespective of seed size.

Resumo Avaliei o efeito do tamanho e densidade de endocarpos de Syagrus loefgrenii sobre a intensidade de remoção por roedores conforme a estação do ano. Para tanto, desenvolvi experimentos no Cerrado em que pilhas de endocarpos pequenos ou grandes (1, 3, 6, 12 e 25), foram sujeitos à remoção por roedores. Apesar da intensidade de remoção variar ao longo do ano, sempre esse processo teve relação inversa com o número de endocarpos. Além disso, em qualquer estação do ano, as proporções médias de endocarpos removidos sempre foram menores nas pilhas maiores, independentemente do tamanho dos endocarpos. Portanto, o processo de remoção de endocarpos foi negativamente dependente da densidade. Como, em princípio, os padrões de remoção em S. loefgrenii sugerem chances similares de sobrevivência tanto para endocarpos grandes, quanto pequenos, a preponderância de resposta negativamente dependente da densidade emerge como uma estratégia de S. loefgrenii voltada a saciar roedores em qualquer período do ano independentemente do tamanho de suas sementes.

Abiotic niche partitioning and negative density dependence drive tree seedling survival in a tropical forest.

In tropical tree communities, processes occurring during early life stages play a critical role in shaping forest composition and diversity through differences in species' performance. Predicting the future of tropical forests depends on a solid understanding of the drivers of seedling survival. At the same time, factors determining spatial and temporal patterns of seedling survival can play a large role in permitting species coexistence in diverse communities. Using long-term data on the survival of more than 45 000 seedlings of 238 species in a Neotropical forest, we assessed the relative importance of key abiotic and biotic neighbourhood variables thought to influence individual seedling survival and tested whether species vary significantly in their responses to these variables, consistent with niche differences. At the community level, seedling survival was significantly correlated with plant size, topographic habitat, neighbourhood densities of conspecific seedlings, conspecific and heterospecific trees and annual variation in water availability, in descending order of effect size. Additionally, we found significant variation among species in their sensitivity to light and water availability, as well as in their survival within different topographic habitats, indicating the potential for niche differentiation among species that could allow for species coexistence.

Seed removal of Dipteryx alata Vog. (Leguminosae: Faboidae) in the edge and interior of Cerrado / Remoção de sementes de Dipteryx alata Vog. (Leguminosae: Faboidae) na borda e interior do Cerrado

Post-dispersal seed agents of mortality include pathogens, invertebrates, and vertebrates, which may shape tropical tree populations and communities. In this study I experimentally evaluated Dipteryx alata endocarp removal both in the interior and edge of Cerrado vegetation. Specifically, I simulated primary dispersion of endocarps by bats and evaluated secondary removal intensity according to habitat, season, and endocarp number. This study was developed in the Pombo Natural Municipal Park, a large Cerrado remnant with an area of 9,000 ha, located in the Western Brazil. In each of the two habitat types, I set down 45 points in which D. alata piles of 1, 3, 7, 15, and 40 endocarps were positioned. On average, endocarp removal in the interior was higher than in the edge, so that the intensity of removal varied from positive density-dependent (interior: rains), to negative density-dependent (edge: both seasons). Also, at both habitat types and seasons non removed endocarps were intensely attacked by fungus. Indeed, seed mortality by fungus infestation was positive density-dependent. The results indicate high propensity of endocarps to escape from removal in the edge, in principle, a defaunated area. As Dipteryx species strongly rely on caviomorph rodents for their dispersal, the scarcity of these vectors might reduce recruitment chances of D. alata in remnants of Cerrado. This imply in future changes in the vegetation structure from the edge to the interior towards low tree diversity.(AU)

A mortalidade pós-dispersão de sementes é causada por agentes como patógenos, invertebrados e vertebrados, os quais influenciam a dinâmica de populações e comunidades arbóreas. Nesse estudo, avaliei experimentalmente intensidade de remoção, por roedores, de endocarpos de Dipteryx alata na borda e interior da vegetação do Cerrado. Simulando a dispersão primária por morcegos, posicionei pilhas com diferentes números de endocarpos nos dois hábitats do cerrado e avaliei a remoção secundária, tanto na estação seca quanto na chuvosa. Os experimentos foram desenvolvidos no Parque Natural Municipal do Pombo, um grande remanescente com 9000 ha (Três Lagoas, MS, Brasil). Em cada um dos habitat defini 45 pontos nos quais pilhas com 1, 3, 7, 15 e 40 endocarpos foram posicionadas. A remoção de endocarpos foi significativamente maior no interior em relação à borda, tal que a intensidade de remoção variou de positivamente dependente da densidade (interior: chuvas), a negativamente dependente da densidade (borda: ambas as estações). Além disso, tanto na borda, quanto interior, bem como nas duas estações os endocarpos não removidos foram intensamente infestados por fungos. Consequentemente, a mortalidade causada por esses patógenos foi densidade dependente. Os resultados sugerem que os endocarpos de D. alata teriam maiores chances de escapar à remoção na borda, em princípio, depauperada em termos de roedores dispersores. A escassez desses vetores reduziria as chances de recrutamento de D. alata, favorecendo mudanças futuras na estrutura da vegetação, a partir da borda, em termos de menor diversidade arbórea.(AU)

Seed removal of Dipteryx alata Vog. (Leguminosae: Faboidae) in the edge and interior of Cerrado / Remoção de sementes de Dipteryx alata Vog. (Leguminosae: Faboidae) na borda e interior do Cerrado

Abstract Post-dispersal seed agents of mortality include pathogens, invertebrates, and vertebrates, which may shape tropical tree populations and communities. In this study I experimentally evaluated Dipteryx alata endocarp removal both in the interior and edge of Cerrado vegetation. Specifically, I simulated primary dispersion of endocarps by bats and evaluated secondary removal intensity according to habitat, season, and endocarp number. This study was developed in the Pombo Natural Municipal Park, a large Cerrado remnant with an area of 9,000 ha, located in the Western Brazil. In each of the two habitat types, I set down 45 points in which D. alata piles of 1, 3, 7, 15, and 40 endocarps were positioned. On average, endocarp removal in the interior was higher than in the edge, so that the intensity of removal varied from positive density-dependent (interior: rains), to negative density-dependent (edge: both seasons). Also, at both habitat types and seasons non removed endocarps were intensely attacked by fungus. Indeed, seed mortality by fungus infestation was positive density-dependent. The results indicate high propensity of endocarps to escape from removal in the edge, in principle, a defaunated area. As Dipteryx species strongly rely on caviomorph rodents for their dispersal, the scarcity of these vectors might reduce recruitment chances of D. alata in remnants of Cerrado. This imply in future changes in the vegetation structure from the edge to the interior towards low tree diversity.

Resumo A mortalidade pós-dispersão de sementes é causada por agentes como patógenos, invertebrados e vertebrados, os quais influenciam a dinâmica de populações e comunidades arbóreas. Nesse estudo, avaliei experimentalmente intensidade de remoção, por roedores, de endocarpos de Dipteryx alata na borda e interior da vegetação do Cerrado. Simulando a dispersão primária por morcegos, posicionei pilhas com diferentes números de endocarpos nos dois hábitats do cerrado e avaliei a remoção secundária, tanto na estação seca quanto na chuvosa. Os experimentos foram desenvolvidos no Parque Natural Municipal do Pombo, um grande remanescente com 9000 ha (Três Lagoas, MS, Brasil). Em cada um dos habitat defini 45 pontos nos quais pilhas com 1, 3, 7, 15 e 40 endocarpos foram posicionadas. A remoção de endocarpos foi significativamente maior no interior em relação à borda, tal que a intensidade de remoção variou de positivamente dependente da densidade (interior: chuvas), a negativamente dependente da densidade (borda: ambas as estações). Além disso, tanto na borda, quanto interior, bem como nas duas estações os endocarpos não removidos foram intensamente infestados por fungos. Consequentemente, a mortalidade causada por esses patógenos foi densidade dependente. Os resultados sugerem que os endocarpos de D. alata teriam maiores chances de escapar à remoção na borda, em princípio, depauperada em termos de roedores dispersores. A escassez desses vetores reduziria as chances de recrutamento de D. alata, favorecendo mudanças futuras na estrutura da vegetação, a partir da borda, em termos de menor diversidade arbórea.