Abstract

URREA-GALEANO, Lina Adonay; ANDRESEN, Ellen  and  IBARRA-MANRIQUEZ, Guillermo. Importance of the seed-mammal interaction for Heteroflorum (Leguminosae), a monospecific genus endemic to Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2018, vol.89, n.2, pp.497-506. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2018.2.2148.

We identified some interactions between fruits/seeds of Heteroflorum sclerocarpum (Leguminosae) and terrestrial mammals of a Mexican tropical dry forest. The mammals that consume the fruits and seeds of this species were detected using camera traps, and by observations in captivity and field, it was determined how mammals manipulate these structures and could influence their dispersion. Germination tests were carried out in the field and shade house to determine if seeds could germinate being outside the fruits, or inside intact fruits, or after having been manipulated by mammals. In the laboratory, we placed to germinate seeds mechanical or chemically scarified by some consumers. In 3 locations the spatial distribution of H. sclerocarpum individuals was determined, as well as the proportion of dispersed and undispersed individuals. We recorded interactions between the fruits and seeds of this species and some terrestrial mammals (cows, coatis, deer, ground squirrels and mice) during the fruiting season, which favored the release of seeds from the fruits, allowing and/or accelerating germination. A good knowledge of plant-animal interactions contributes to the understanding of the structure and functioning of tropical forests, and allows the development of adequate strategies for their conservation.

Keywords : Tropical dry forest; Seed fate; Seed dispersal; Spatial distribution; Scarification; Germination.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )