Can a Non-Native Primate Be a Potential Seed Disperser? A Case Study on Saimiri sciureus in Pernambuco State, Brazil

Abstract

The interaction between native fleshy-fruit plants and introduced fruit consumers contributes to the dynamics of highly fragmented environments. Such interactions can occur through pollination and seed dispersal. Here, we investigated the potential of seed dispersing by a non-native primate, the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), in an urban Atlantic forest fragment in north-eastern Brazil. Fleshy fruits from non-native plants were preferentially exploited by the squirrel monkeys. We measured 147 seeds (width and length) from 20 of 106 faecal samples. The dispersed seeds were from five plant species (four families). We found a positive correlation between the size of seeds found in faecal samples with their availability in the habitat. Only one seed was found visually damaged after passage through the squirrel monkeys’ guts. The defecated seeds were uniformly distributed (variance to mean ratio index) in the home range of squirrel monkeys, and there was a lack of specific latrines (i.e., habitat preference for defecation). Our data provide evidence that non-native S. sciureus may in be (i) acting as a potential seed disperser of native plants in the Atlantic forest fragment, (ii) contributing to the ecological role of native frugivores, and (iii) potentially contributing to the regeneration process of the highly degraded study site.

Ecological processes associated with different animal taxa in urban environments

“…2009, Oliveira‐Silva et al. 2018) contained papers that studied the ecological processes explicitly. Other topics such as Urban ecology (e.g., van Rensburg et al.…”

“…A closer look at the other topics revealed that this distinction can be made between several other topics. For example, some topics, such as Carrion ecology (e.g., Mashaly andAl-Mekhlafi 2016, Altunsoy et al 2017) and Ecosystem services for plants (e.g., Twigg et al 2009, Oliveira-Silva et al 2018) contained papers that studied the ecological processes explicitly. Other topics such as Urban ecology (e.g., van Fig.…”

Ize, Density, Ecological Groups, and Dispersal Syndromes of the Seed Rain in Urban Atlantic Forest Fragments in Northeastern Brazil

“…Aust. 27(1):73-87, 2023 mm) cut into squares with an area of 1 m² (Oliveira-Silva et al 2018). They were tied with string to native trees present at the site, 1 ½ meters above the ground.…”

“…The other syndromes can be categorized as seeds dispersed by abiotic means (winged seeds, seeds with plumes, dispersed by wind or by the explosion of the fruits). We performed this characterization based on our knowledge about the previously described local plant community in the study areas (Sousa Júnior 2006, Lins-e-Silva & Rodal 2008, Campêlo et al 2018, Oliveira-Silva et al 2018, and from details about life-history traits of the species from the literature (Souza & Lorenzi 2008).…”

“…Although the forest fragments are protected areas, they present different sizes, forms, degrees of connectivity, and disturbance histories. For instance, the Mata do Curado Wildlife Refuge has suffered from intense anthropogenic disturbance over the years due to the construction of numerous residences within the area, the introduction of many exotic species, and intense military training (Campêlo et al 2018). However, this area is connected to a large forest fragment and houses a considerable number of potential dispersal fauna species (J.P. Souza-Alves, personal observation).…”