Effects of forest plant species composition and physiognomy on bird and invertebrate communities were investigated in three discrete, relatively undisturbed forest types along a dry-wet soil moisture gradient. Using discriminant function analysis, a 100% floristic and a 78% vegetation structural discrimination were obtained between the three forest types. However, the bird communities of these different forest types were very similar in species composition, and had much lower densities than those normally encountered in other, superficially similar forests. Although an 81% discrimination between forest types was attained through analysis of ground surface invertebrates, measures of litter and aerial invertebrate abundance were also of limited use as discriminators. Historical and biogeographic factors, as well as the low nutritional levels in the soil and vegetation may be the causes of low bird and invertebrate density and diversity. It is concluded that floristics and vegetation structure have, at best, a minor influence on bird community structure, and possibly also on invertebrate community structure in the Knysna Forest.
The ant fauna in fynbos and forest habitats in the southern cape are compared. There is no significant difference in ant species richness between the two undisturbed habitat types, and the only two species common to both are Acantholepis capensis and Camponotus maculatus. The degree of Hakea sericea infestation in the fynbos negatively affected ant species richness. Ant species richness in the Afromontane forest decreased from the drier to the wetter sites. The aggressive alien ant species, lridomynnex humilis. has not invaded natural areas to any great extent.Die mierfauna in fynbos-en inheemse woud-habitatte in die Suid-Kaap is vergelyk. Daar is geen beduidende verskille in mierspesieverskeidenheid tussen die twee onversteurde habitat-tipes nie. Slags twee spesies. Acantholepis capensis en Camponotus maculatus is in albei habitatte aangetref. Die mate van Hakea sericea besmetting in die fynbos verminder mierspesieverskeidenheid. Mierspesieverskeidenheid in die Afrikaanse berQwoud het 'n afname getoon van die droeer na die natter persele. Daar is nag geen beduidende indringing van die aggresiewe uitheemse mierspesie, lridomynnex humilis, in natuurlike habitatte nie.
Habitat subdivision and resource partitioning of the birds of the evergreen high forest of the southern Cape are investigated. Most species utilize a wide stratal range with insectivores predominating in the lower strata and mixed-feeders and frugivores in the upper strata. Members of the respective foraging guilds used a different stratum or were separated by differences in morphology or mass, suggesting different sized prey and limited competition.
RCsumCOn etudie la subdivision de l'habitat et la repartition des ressources des oiseaux de la grande for& sempervirente du Cap. La plupart des espkces se rencontrent dans une large bande ou les insectivores predominent au niveau le plus bas, et les omnivores et frugivores, plus haut. Les membres de chaque groupe se repartissaient dans des couches diffkrentes ou etaient caracterises par des differences de morphologie ou de masse, laissant supposer des proies de taille differente et une compktition limitee.
SYNOPSISRodent granivory was investigated at four Podocarpus falcatus trees after a fruiting season during which huge amounts of seeds were produced. Feeding stations were established from one metre from the base of the trees to at least six metres beyond the edge of the seed shadow. No significant correlations were found between the density of seed on the ground and the number of seeds destroyed at the feeding stations. The major granivore was identified as Verreaux's mouse Praomys verreauxii and it is concluded that it forages randomly and not in a density dependent manner.
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