Seed dispersal by the lek-forming white-bearded manakin (Manacus manacus, Pipridae) in the Brazilian Atlantic forest

Abstract

Abstract:The movement patterns of males, females and juveniles of lekking species often differ due to differences in the commitment to lek activities, which may lead to differences in the spatial distribution and dispersal distances of seeds they eat. By sampling seeds in three lek and non-lek areas of the white-bearded manakin (Manacus manacus), we tested whether this lekking species increased the abundance and species richness of seeds in lek areas and, at a finer scale, in 21 displaying courts within lek areas. Combining data on seed defecation or regurgitation rates by free-ranging individuals, the number of seeds in droppings or regurgitations of mist-netted birds, and the distances travelled by birds equipped with radio-transmitters, we estimated the potential spatial distribution of seeds generated by six resident males and six females or juveniles during the morning peak of lek activity and when lek activity decreased in the afternoon. There was no difference in the species richness (46 and 44 morphospecies, respectively) and abundance of seeds (15.4 ± 7.3 seeds and 14.0 ± 1.1 seeds, respectively) between lek and non-lek areas. Within leks both parameters increased in courts (45 spp., 17.6 ± 14 seeds) compared with non-court sites (22 spp., 1.9 ± 1.8 seeds), likely as a consequence of the longer time spent by resident males in perches in or near display courts. Distances moved by juveniles and females per 60-min period (183 ± 272 m) were greater than resident males (42.6 ± 22.0 m) in the mornings, while the opposite happened in the afternoons (55.2 ± 40.7 m and 157 ± 105 m, respectively). We conclude that the spatial aggregation of seeds in lek areas of M. manacus occurs at the court level, and the spatial distribution of deposited seeds varies with manakin lekking status and the daily period of foraging.

Inter‐group variability in seed dispersal by white‐handed gibbons in mosaic forest

“…). This has also been shown in other species where different sexes and ages have different territorial or movement behaviours (Cestari & Pizo ). Similarly, Pellerin et al .…”

Frugivory by the White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus, Pipridae) in restinga forest, an ecosystem associated to the Atlantic forest

“…evolved behavioral and physiological adaptations such as rapid passage of fruits (and seeds) through their guts, high assimilation of nonstructural carbohydrates, selective regurgitation, and rapid elimination of bulky seeds that allow them to ingest a high rate of fruits compared to larger birds (see Worthington 1989). In another study, we estimated an average of four defecations (or regurgitations) containing 1.3 seeds per defecation (or regurgitation) at each 5 min (Cestari & Pizo 2013 ). This defecation rate is relatively high even compared with other manakin species (Worthington 1989).…”

“…As an abundant species that disperse a variety of seeds and move widely through restinga forests (Cestari & Pizo 2013), M. manacus is an important helper of restoration efforts. …”

Métodos De Amostragem E Análise Em Estudos Sobre Comportamento De Forrageio De Aves

“…Existem diferentes abordagens utilizadas nos estudos sobre forrageamento e diversos métodos podem ser utilizados e/ou combinados para melhor auxiliar na resolução de questões específicas. Nos últimos anos a rádio-telemetria e os geolocalizadores têm sido ferramentas bastante úteis, especialmente para estudos cujo objetivo é compreender o uso do espaço durante o forrageio (Pettex et al 2012, Caron-Beaudoin et al 2013, Cestari & Pizo 2013, Navarro et al 2013. Porém, muitas questões sobre substrato de forrageamento e técnicas de captura de presas requerem consideráveis horas de observação direta do animal (Altmann 1974, Troy & Baccus 2009, Davison & Fitzpatrick 2010, Wright & Radford 2010.…”