Effects of ingestion by neotropical bats on germination parameters of native free-standing and strangler figs (Ficus sp., Moraceae)

Abstract

Fruit-eating animals can influence the germination success of seeds through transportation and handling. We experimentally tested the contribution of ingestion by the common fruit-eating bat, Artibeus jamaicensis (Phyllostomidae, Chiroptera), to the percentage and rate of seed germination of figs (Ficus, Moraceae), which are considered keystone species for many frugivores. We collected fruits from three species of native free-standing figs (subgenus Pharmacosycea: F. insipida, F. maxima and F. yoponensis) and three species of native strangler figs (subgenus Urostigma: F. nymphiifolia, F. obtusifolia and F. popenoei) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. The germination success of seeds removed from fruit pulp either manually or by ingestion was very high (>92%), while seeds that were not removed from fruit pulp were destroyed by fast-growing fungi within a few days. The dynamics of seed germination were not influenced by ingestion, but differed between the two subgenera of figs. In free-standing figs, germination started significantly earlier (5.3 +/- 0.7 days) than in strangler figs (8.6 +/- 1.4 days). Furthermore, strangler seeds were covered with a sticky coating and their seedlings developed cotyledons faster than fine roots, in contrast to free-standing figs that showed the opposite pattern. Our results demonstrate that the germination of fig seeds is positively influenced by passage through the gut of A. jamaicensis. Furthermore, free-standing and strangler figs revealed differences in germination parameters that might be adaptive with respect to the suitability of microsites such as tree fall gaps or host trees for establishment.

Wahlberg’s epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi) as a potential dispersal agent for fleshy-fruited invasive alien plants: effects of handling behaviour on seed germination

“…Similar trends were observed by Heer et al (2010) who found that fruit bats positively influenced fig seed dispersal by pulp removal, while whole fruits failed to germinate due to fungal infection, and Voigt et al (2011) who recorded a positive effect of bat handling on the germination of seeds of M. azedarach. Melia azedarach seeds from this study, which were not eaten by rodents (including whole fruit), germinated profusely.…”

Hunting alters seedling functional trait composition in a Neotropical forest

“…The loss of primates and large birds should cause this group of plant species to decline in abundance because of intense density-dependent mortality that occurs around parent trees, loss of directed dispersal, and decreased frugivore seed handling, which can enhance germination and survival (Traveset and Verdu´2002, Brodie et al 2009, Comita et al 2010, Heer et al 2010, Mangan et al 2010, Swamy et al 2011, de Barros Leite et al 2012. A corollary of our first hypothesis is that lianas should increase in importance where large-bodied dispersers are reduced (Table 1).…”

The Use of Commercial Fruits as Attraction Agents May Increase the Seed Dispersal by Bats to Degraded Areas in Southern Mexico

“…Both the germination latency and percentage of P. aduncum, S. erianthum and Psychotria sp are similar to other studies [50]. However, we recommend testing the in situ final destinations of bat-dispersed seeds, since both abiotic (e.g.…”