Nectar-feeding on an exotic tree (Grevillea robusta) by Alouatta caraya and its possible role in flower pollination

PAVE, ROMINA E; PEKER, SILVANA M; RAÑO, MARIANA; RAMIREZ-ORJUELA, CAROLINA; ZUNINO, GABRIEL E; KOWALEWSKI, M MARTIN

NEOTROPICAL PRIMATES

Neotropical Section of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group

Año: 2009 vol. 16 p. 61 - 64

1413-4705

For exotic plants like G. robusta in forests in northeast Argentina, pollination success depend on density of plant populations which may affect the attractiveness of enough pollinators, the competition with native vegetation for pollinator attention, and the low number of suitable generalist pollinator species. However, if generalist native species pollinate introduced plants and these pollinators are abundant, exotic species may be reproductively successful and spread rapidly. The aim of this study is to describe the nectar feeding behavior of Alouatta caraya on an exotic tree (Grevillea robusta, Proteaceae) and suggest the possible role of this primate in Oowerpollination.