Prosopis seed dispersal by mammals in the Monte desert (Argentina).

CAMPOS, C. M. ; VÉLEZ, S; CAMPOS, V.; GIANNONI, S. M.

Montpellier

Simposio; 5th International Symposium- Workshop on Frugivory and Seed Dispersal FSD 2010; 2010

In the arid and semiarid areas of Argentina, Prosopis (Fabaceae) play an important role in the functioning of plant and animal communities. The fruits of some Prosopis species are indehiscent pods, with a mesocarp rich in sugars and protein y apetecibles para los animales. The aim of this study is summarize the role of wild and domestic mammals in the seed dispersal and seed germination. Small-rodents (such as Graomys griseoflavus, Akodon molinae, Calomys musculinus, Eligmodontia typus, and Microcavia asutralis) remove and hoard fruits and seeds after primary dispersal, and can act as predator or dispersers. Non-native mammals (such as cow, horse, donkey, European hare, wild boar) and native mammals (such as Dolichotis patagonum, Pseudalopex griseus, Lama guanicoe) are endozoochorous dispersers. The passage through the digestive tract of animals modify seed germination capacity and speed, with great variability depending on the particular mammal and Prosopis species involved. After, seedling establishment and sapling survival are related with the sites of defecation and the activity of animals, such cattle. Small-mammals and ants also remove seeds from cattle dung, and the importance of each removal group depends of the season and the availability of seeds in the field. Animals constitute an important spectrum of dispersal agents of Prosopis seeds through strategies that can delayed or undelayed germination. It is of great importance in desert environments where climatic conditions are unpredictable, and the seed must consequently wait for opportune moments.