Context
Mutualistic interactions between animals and plants shape the structure of plant–animal systems and, subsequently, affect plant-community structure and regeneration.
Aims
To assess the effects of plant and rodent functional traits on the formation of mutualistic and predatory interactions regarding seed dispersal and predation in a warm-temperate forest.
Methods
Seed scatter-hoarding and predation by six sympatric rodent species on seeds belonging to five sympatric tree species were tested under enclosure conditions.
Key results
Functional traits (i.e. rodent body size and seed traits) are important to mutualism/predation in this seed–rodent system. The rodent–seed network is highly nested: large-sized rodents have mutualistic or predatory interactions with both large- and small-sized seed species, but small-sized rodents interacted with small-sized seed species only. Large seeds or seeds with hard coats enhanced mutualism and reduced predation.
Conclusion
Body size of rodents and seed traits such as handling time and nutritional value are key factors in the formation of mutualistic and predatory interactions within seed–rodent systems.
Implications
To promote seedling establishment in degenerated forests, introducing or protecting large-sized scatter hoarders and reducing the density of pure seed eaters are needed.
