Quantitative analysis of the effects of the exotic Argentine ant on seed-dispersal mutualisms

RODRIGUEZ-CABAL, MARIANO A. STUBLE, KATHARINE L. NUÑEZ, MARTIN A. SANDERS, NATHAN J

Biology Letters

Año: 2009 vol. 5 p. 499 - 502

1744-957X

Although it is increasingly clear that exotic invasive species affect seed-dispersal mutualisms, a synthetic examination of the effect of exotic invasive species on seed-dispersal mutualisms is lacking. Here, we review the impacts of the invasive Argentine ant () on seed dispersal. We found that sites with had 92 per cent fewer native ant seed dispersers than did sites where was absent. In addition, did not replace native seed dispersers, as rates of seed removal and seedling establishment were all lower in the presence of than in its absence. We conclude that potential shifts in plant diversity and concomitant changes in ecosystem function may be a consequence of Argentine ant invasions, as well as invasions by other ant species. Because very few studies have examined the effects of non-ant invasive species on seed-dispersal mutualisms, the prevalence of disruption of seed-dispersal mutualisms by invasive species is unclear.