Main Article Content

Published:
May 25, 2017
Keywords:
Beilschmiedia miersii
herbivory
seed predation
seedling survival
restoration

Abstract

In the Mediterranean region of Chile, populations of the threatened tree Beilschmiedia miersii have been strongly affected by anthropic disturbances, causing a critical state of conservation. Herbivory has been proposed as the main factor that currently limits the regeneration of this species. We studied the effect of large vs. small herbivores on seed and seedling survival of B. miersii under two contrasting habitat conditions (forest and shrubland), using plots with fenced enclosures which differentially excluded mammalian herbivores according to body size. Results show that herbivory had a significant negative effect on B. miersii. Both large and small herbivores had a significant negative effect on seeds and seedlings in the shrub habitat. In the forest habitat small herbivores had a significant negative effect only on seeds. Our results suggest that different herbivores can have varying effects on seed and seedling survival, but these effects can vary spatially, probably due to different herbivore assemblage of each habitat. Results suggest that restoration plans for B. miersii need to be adjusted according to local conditions.

Narkis S Morales
Pablo I Becerra
Eduardo C Arellano
Horacio B Gilabert
Author Biographies

Narkis S Morales, Macquarie University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, Building E8A Room 281, NSW 2109, Sydney, Australia.

Fundación para la Conservación y Manejo Sustentable de la Biodiversidad, Ahumada 312, oficina 425, Santiago Centro, Santiago, Chile.

Pablo I Becerra, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile.

Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Av Libertador Bernardo O’higgins 340, Santiago Chile.

Eduardo C Arellano, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile.

Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Av Libertador Bernardo O’higgins 340, Santiago Chile.

How to Cite
Morales, N. S., Becerra, P. I., Arellano, E. C., & Gilabert, H. B. (2017). Effect of large and small herbivores on seed and seedling survival of Beilschmiedia miersii in central Chile. Revista Bosque, 36(1), 127–132. Retrieved from https://revistabosque.org/index.php/bosque/article/view/553

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