<i>Rattus rattus</i>, a potential threat to the endangered tree <i>Gomortega keule</i> in the Maulino forest of Chile

Barceló, Matías; Simonetti, Javier A.

doi:10.1080/0028825x.2020.1799041

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Therefore, we can hypothesize that O. cuniculus did not consume seeds of M. boaria, R. ephedra and Q. saponaria or that O. cuniculus destroyed the seeds when it consumed them (i. e. through mastication and digestives process). Nevertheless, seed removal and predation (as in this case) by these agents has a negative effect on the regeneration of these tree species, the seedling recruitment, the forest structure and the forest dynamics (Simonetti, 1983a;Díaz et al, 1999;Jaksic, 2001;Baldini & Pancel, 2002;Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Castro et al, 2008;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020). It is possible to assume that the removal of tree seeds from species in sclerophyll forests (and others vulnerable ecosystems) is affected along the distribution of the invasive alien fauna in Chile (Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nevertheless, seed removal and predation (as in this case) by these agents has a negative effect on the regeneration of these tree species, the seedling recruitment, the forest structure and the forest dynamics (Simonetti, 1983a;Díaz et al, 1999;Jaksic, 2001;Baldini & Pancel, 2002;Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Castro et al, 2008;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020). It is possible to assume that the removal of tree seeds from species in sclerophyll forests (and others vulnerable ecosystems) is affected along the distribution of the invasive alien fauna in Chile (Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020). Hence the importance of controlling invasive aliens fauna for forest conservation and resto-ration (Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Gutiérrez et al, 2007;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020), particularly when the forest already has severe problems with the regeneration process (Fuentes et al, 1983;Fuentes et al, 1986;Fuentes & Muñoz, 1995Jiménez & Armesto, 1992Armesto et al, 1995;Armesto et al, 2007;Schulz et al, 2010) and even more when these are inside protected areas (Barceló & Simonetti, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is possible to assume that the removal of tree seeds from species in sclerophyll forests (and others vulnerable ecosystems) is affected along the distribution of the invasive alien fauna in Chile (Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020). Hence the importance of controlling invasive aliens fauna for forest conservation and resto-ration (Fernandez & Sáiz, 2007;Gutiérrez et al, 2007;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020), particularly when the forest already has severe problems with the regeneration process (Fuentes et al, 1983;Fuentes et al, 1986;Fuentes & Muñoz, 1995Jiménez & Armesto, 1992Armesto et al, 1995;Armesto et al, 2007;Schulz et al, 2010) and even more when these are inside protected areas (Barceló & Simonetti, 2020). Nevertheless, seed removal and seed predation has scarcely been evaluated since the introduction of invasive alien fauna in Chile, such as the case of Rattus rattus (introduced in 1540) or O. cuniculus (mid-18 th century; Simonetti, 1983b;Baldini & Pancel, 2002;Camus et al, 2008;Barceló & Simonetti, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, Castro et al (2008) suggested that Oryctolagus cuniculus are dispersing seeds of Lithraea caustica. On the contrary, Barceló & Simonetti (2020) have suggested that Rattus rattus are predating seeds of Gomortega keule, endangered tree species of Central Chile. Thus, researches highlighting the potential negative effects of seed removal by invasive alien species are also scarce.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Leaf litter hides post-dispersed seeds from invasive alien removers in a sclerophyll forest in central Chile

2021

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Aim of the study: Seed removal may be a determining filter for regeneration. Factors such as leaf litter, tree cover and seed density affect seed removal. This aims to assess three aspects involving on post dispersal seed removal of four woody species (Lithraea caustica, Maytenus boaria, Quillaja saponaria and Retanilla ephedra) of a sclerophyll forest.Study area: Andean Mediterranean sclerophyll forest of Quillaja saponaria and Lithraea caustica located in the Río de Los Cipreses National Reserve, Chile.Materials and methods: Seven experimental plots were set up, in which seeds were offered in an experiment with variations in leaf litter, tree cover and seed density. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were used for the statistical analysis. Camera traps were installed to identify the seed removers.Main results: Q. saponaria seeds were more removed than the seeds of the other species (0.84, observed mean). Whereas that M. boaria and R. ephedra did not show significant differences on the removal of their seeds (0.77 and 0.67 respectively), both were more removed than L. caustica (0.59). The removal of M. boaria, Q. saponaria and R. ephedra seeds was lower in the presence of leaf litter. No factor influenced the removal of L. caustica seeds. Seed removers were identified as invasive alien species such as Rattus sp. and Oryctolagus cuniculus and native species such as Lycalopex culpaeus.Research highlights: Three woody species of this forest suffer severe seed removal by invasive alien fauna with major implications for the resilience of these forests. The coverage of leaf litter is key to hide away the seeds, increasing survival and could promote germination.Keywords: invasive alien fauna; Mediterranean forest; sclerophyll forest; seed removal factors.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Leaf litter hides post-dispersed seeds from invasive alien removers in a sclerophyll forest in central Chile

2021

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Seedling survival of the endangered Chilean tree Gomortega keule (Molina) Baill., queule

Muñoz-Concha,

Vega,

Alarcón

2024

New Zealand Journal of Botany

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Anachronic Fruit Traits and Natural History Suggest Extinct Megafauna Herbivores as the Dispersers of an Endangered Tree

Muñoz-Concha

Muñoz

Loayza

2020

Plants

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Megafaunal seed dispersal syndrome refers to a group of traits attributed to the evolution of plants in the presence of large mammals. Present-day plants that bear these traits in areas where megafauna are absent are presumed to represent anachronic dispersal systems. Gomortega keule is an endangered tree species from a monotypic family (Gomortegaceae), endemic to Chile. Its fruit traits suggest adaptation to seed dispersal by large vertebrates; however, none are present today along its area of distribution. Here, we conducted a detailed revision on the fruit morphology of G. keule to examine whether its fruit traits fit a megafaunal dispersal syndrome. Additionally, we examined the fruit processing behavior of large domestic and captive wild animals fed with G. keule fruits, and its effect on germination. G. keule fruits had traits consistent with those of a Type 1 megafaunal fruit. Compared to intact, whole stones, seed germination probabilities decreased when fruits were handled by animals, suggesting that the seed was damaged during mastication and/or ingestion. Moreover, results from our feeding trials with elephants may also imply low efficiency of extinct gomphotheres as seed dispersers of this species. Our results also suggest that although domestic animals may disperse G. keule, it is unlikely that at present they can substitute the services of its original dispersers. Further investigation on seedling survival, local livestock management and forest management practices may help reinstate sexual regeneration in G. keule. Finally, integrating observations on fruit ecology and local people’s knowledge with experimental data enriches our species-centered approach and may help to address regeneration problems in other endangered plants.

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Rattus rattus, a potential threat to the endangered tree Gomortega keule in the Maulino forest of Chile

Cited by 3 publications

References 15 publications

Leaf litter hides post-dispersed seeds from invasive alien removers in a sclerophyll forest in central Chile

Leaf litter hides post-dispersed seeds from invasive alien removers in a sclerophyll forest in central Chile

Seedling survival of the endangered Chilean tree Gomortega keule (Molina) Baill., queule

Anachronic Fruit Traits and Natural History Suggest Extinct Megafauna Herbivores as the Dispersers of an Endangered Tree

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