Seed dispersal by howler monkeys: Current knowledge, conservation implications, and future directions
Primate seed dispersal has been increasingly recognized as having a potentially profound impact on tropical forest regeneration and plant species composition. Confirming and quantifying this impact, however, has proven to be an important challenge. We review the literature on seed dispersal by howle...
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| Autores principales: | , , , |
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| Formato: | BOOK |
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| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12110/paper_97814939_v_n_p111_ArroyoRodriguez |
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| Sumario: | Primate seed dispersal has been increasingly recognized as having a potentially profound impact on tropical forest regeneration and plant species composition. Confirming and quantifying this impact, however, has proven to be an important challenge. We review the literature on seed dispersal by howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.) throughout their geographical range and assess the impact for plant populations and communities. Howler monkeys spend ca. 50 % of their feeding time eating fruits from many plant species and different life forms. For some plant species they are probably the only or primary dispersal agent (e.g., fruits with large seeds and/or with hard indehiscent husks), especially in anthropogenically disturbed forests, where other large-bodied frugivores tend to be absent or are locally extinct. In this regard, howlers contribute to secondary succession, aiding in the restoration of degraded habitats. Alouatta spp. swallow most (>90 %) of the seeds they handle, defecating them undamaged. Studies indicate that passage through the howler gut has a positive effect on rates of seed germination. In addition, studies of secondary dispersal indicate that seeds voided in howler dung attract secondary seed dispersers such as rodents and dung beetles. Also, nutrients in the dung may enhance seedling establishment. Although certain components of howler seed dispersal such as seed shadows, post-dispersal seed fate, and seeds/seedlings survival need to be better studied, current information suggests that howler monkeys are effective seed dispersers for many plant species, with important consequences for plant communities and forest regeneration. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015. |
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