Seed removal in a fire induced edge in the semiarid Chaco forest of Argentina

Abstract

Seed removal in a fire induced edge in the semiarid Chaco forest of Argentina.

We studied the relative importance of insects and vertebrates as agents of seed removal within an edge induced by an accidental forest fire in the semiarid Chaco forest of Copo National Park, Argentina. We evaluated seed/fruit removal rates on both sides of the primary and burned forest edge. To identify the possible agents of removal we sampled ants, small mammals and other vertebrates. Mean seed removal was similar in both sites, but was significantly lower in  feeding  stations  exposed  to  vertebrates  only.  Seeds  recorded  higher  removal  than  the  intact  fruits.  We  also  discuss  the  validity  of  a methodological approach using feeding stations to study seed removal in edge areas.