Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Devall, Margaret [1], Martins, Andreza [2], Abilio, Fernanda [2], Gonçalves de Oliveira, Plinio [3], Partelli Feltrin, Raquel [4], Scheffer, Fernanda [3], de Oliveira Antonelli, Priscilla [5], Teixeira Vilela, Daniela [5], Smith III, Carl G. [6], Tidwell, Collin [6], Hamel, Paul [6], Connor, Kristina [7], Leininger, Theodor [6], Schiff, Nathan [6], Wilson, A. Dan [6].

Recent research on pondberry (Lindera melissifolia Walt. Blume) reproduction.

Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia (Walt) Blume) is an endangered, dioecious, clonal shrub that grows in periodically flooded forests of the southeastern United States. Until recently the fate of dispersed pondberry seeds and seedlings was unknown. To help understand these critical stages in the life cycle of the plant, the objectives of this study were to: (1) identify herbivores and predators of pondberry seeds and seedlings, (2) record the fate of pondberry seeds after simulated dispersal in areas with greater and lesser herbaceous cover, and (3) calculate the probability of seed survival for germination. The study was conducted in or near the Delta National Forest and the Delta Experimental Forest, MS. Video cameras with infrared illumination were set up to monitor animal visitors to the plots. Image analysis indicated that swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) and wood rats (Neotoma floridana) cut or ate seedlings, while other animals visited the plots without damaging seedlings. Numerous bird species and mammals visited the seed plots and some were filmed eating seeds. Animal visitors identified as pondberry seed predators or possible predators were the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), swamp rabbit, nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossipynus), white-footed mouse (P. leucopus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Pondberry seeds and seedlings exposed in open habitats had a significantly higher survival rate than those exposed in habitats with more herbaceous and woody understory cover. The novelty and quality of the temporal data collected via video monitoring indicate the importance of this method in collecting data that is not otherwise available on endangered and rare species.

Broader Impacts:

1 - U.S. Forest Service, Center For Bottomland Hardwoods Research, PO Box 227, Stoneville, MS, 38776, USA
2 - State University of Sao Paolo, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
3 - State University of Sao Paulo, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
4 - Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
5 - University of Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
6 - USDA Forest Service, Center for Bottomland Hardwood Research, Stoneville, MS, USA
7 - USDA Forest Service, Restoring and Managing Longleaf Pine Ecosystems, Auburn, AL, USA

Keywords:
seed dispersal
seedling herbivores
hermit thrush
swamp rabbit
seed predators.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 41
Location: Newberry/Riverside Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2013
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: 41002
Abstract ID:455
Candidate for Awards:None