Can an exotic tree (Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) influence the non-volant small mammals assemblage in a protected area of Atlantic Forest?

Abstract

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is an exotic invasive plant species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest that causes changes in the environment through the release of allelopathic substances and has high fruit production. We aimed to understand the potential effects of the jackfruit on the non-volant small mammal assemblage in an area protected by law, in the municipality of Cariacica – Espírito Santo, south-eastern Brazil. We sampled the small mammals assemblage using live traps in 18 sites, eight with jackfruit and 10 without. We ordinated the assemblage and tested possible differences in species richness and abundance according to the jackfruit density. We recorded 31 species of non-volant small mammals, with 13 species endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Jackfruit species can affect both positively and negatively the studied assemblage of non-volant small mammals. For species with a frugivory habit, jackfruit has a positive effect favouring these species. On the other hand, for insectivorous species, jackfruit represents an impact inhibiting the presence of these species in an area with high jackfruit density. The results presented are the first step in understanding the effect of this invasive species on a small mammals assemblage and initiating a monitoring of these species in areas affected by jackfruits. Furthermore, management of jackfruits in this protected area is required.

Undocumented invasive exotic woody plants of Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda

“…Artocarpus heterophyllus , reported to be invasive in 24 other countries, has been studied most in Brazil's Atlantic forests, where its invasiveness and negative impacts are well demonstrated and removal has been proposed (Abreu & Rodrigues, 2010; Bergallo et al, 2016; Gama‐Matos et al, 2021; Moura et al, 2020). In east Africa, it has been reported as invasive is the East Usambara mountains (Sheil, 1994).…”

“…The challenges posed by invasive exotic species to the conservation of biological diversity are well documented (D'Antonio & Meyerson, 2002; Gentili et al, 2021; IPBES‐IPCC, 2021; Kulmatiski, 2006). Exotic species reduce indigenous diversity, establish persistent communities that make a return of displaced indigenous species communities difficult and alter ecosystem processes and functions (Dueñas et al, 2021; Gama‐Matos et al, 2021; Stewart et al, 2021). Invasive exotic species may pose economic costs which can be too heavy to manage (Nampala, 2020; Syliver et al, 2020; Warziniack et al, 2021).…”

Assessing the ecological impacts of invasive plants in Neotropical forests through evidence synthesis

“…In Neotropical forests, many species with distinct characteristics are able to invade and cause different types of impacts in a wide range of ecosystems. In closed-canopy forests, the invasive tree Artocarpus hererophyllus is reported affecting both plant and animal native communities Gama-Matos et al 2020), as well as the herbaceous Tradescantia zebrina that is commonly found in understories of protected forests .…”