Seed dissemination by frugivorous birds from forest fragments to adjacent pastures on the western slope of Volcán Barva, Costa Rica.
Logging, cattle raising, and agricultural activities have caused the destruction of most forested areas in Costa Rica. In some middle and highlands the abrupt topography delayed the complete destruction of montane forest. Consequently, some fragments of almost pristine forest remain along streams that run in deep canyons. Frequently, these remnants serve as corridors between larger forested areas and as routes for movement of frugivorous birds. Eighteen bird species, e.g., Turdus plebejus, Elaenia frantzii and Ptilogonys caudatus are common dwellers of forest patches throughout the Pacific slope of the Volcán Barva. These species fly frequently from forest fragments to adjacent pastures. They defected and regurgitated seeds of 28 plant species on stumps scattered on pasture areas. Isolated trees and specially the stumps are suitable microhabitats for germination of seeds and establishment of seedings.
Barrantes
Gilbert
G
Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Pereira
Ana
A
D000383:Agriculture; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D002417:Cattle; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003364:Costa Rica; D005243:Feces; D005638:Fruit; D018525:Germination; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development*; D012987:Soil; D014197:Trees; D018707:Volcanic Eruptions
D012987:Soil