Frugivory and seed dispersal of woody species by the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in a mid-elevation tropical evergreen forest in India

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S. Jothish
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Tropical Evergreen Forest ◽  
Germination Experiments ◽  
And Control ◽  
Dung Analysis

Abstract:Frugivory and seed dispersal by the Asian elephant, Elephas maximus, in a mid-elevation tropical evergreen forest in India was studied by dung analysis and conducting seed germination trials on ingested and control seeds. A total of 384 dung piles were observed during the period February 2007 to December 2008. Fruits/seeds and seedlings of 27 woody species were observed from the dung piles. Seed germination experiments showed that seeds from dung were viable and germination time of ingested seeds was significantly lower than that of control seeds. It was observed that 43.6% of the seedlings in the dung piles established as saplings. The study suggests that the Asian elephant is a legitimate seed disperser in tropical forests in its range.

Frugivory and seed dispersal by Asian elephants, Elephas maximus, in a moist evergreen forest of Thailand

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shumpei Kitamura ◽  
Takakazu Yumoto ◽  
Pilai Poonswad ◽  
Prawat Wohandee
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Living Species ◽  
Forest Elephants ◽  
Loxodonta Africana Cyclotis ◽  
Historical Range

The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is the only living species of the genus Elephas (Elephantidae) that evolved in Africa c. 5–6 million y ago and migrated into Eurasia (Sukumar 2003). The Asian elephant is one of the few remaining extant megafauna (Owen-Smith 1988) and has disappeared from c. 95% of its historical range (Sukumar 2006). Asian elephants eat fruit when it is available, defecating intact seeds, of which some later germinate in the dung (Lekagul & McNeely 1977, Ridley 1930). However, to date there has been no detailed study of frugivory and seed dispersal by Asian elephants (Corlett 1998). The only common feature of the fruit reported to be eaten by Asian elephants is their relatively large size, but there is no evidence that they are exclusive dispersers of any plant species (Corlett 1998), in contrast to the more frugivorous African forest elephants, Loxodonta africana cyclotis (Babweteera et al. 2007, Chapman et al. 1992, Cochrane 2003, Feer 1995).

Seed dispersal interactions promoting plant invasions.

2020 ◽  
pp. 90-104
Author(s):  
M. Celeste Díaz Vélez ◽  
Ana E. Ferreras ◽  
Valeria Paiaro
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Invasional Meltdown ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Origin Life

Abstract Animal dispersers are essential for many non-native plants since they facilitate seed movement and might promote seed germination and seedling establishment, thereby increasing their chances of invasion. This chapter reviews the published literature on seed dispersal of non-native plant species by native and/or non-native animals. The following questions are addressed: (i) Are interactions between non-native plants and their animal dispersers evenly studied worldwide? (ii) Which are the distinctive traits (i.e. geographical origin, life form, dispersal strategy and propagule traits) of non-native plants that are dispersed by animals? (iii) Which are the most studied groups of dispersers of non-native plants around the world? (iv) Does the literature provide evidence for the Invasional Meltdown Hypothesis (non-native plant-non-native disperser facilitation)? (v) What is the role of animal dispersers at different stages of the non-native plant regeneration process? Our dataset of 204 articles indicates that geographical distribution of the studies was highly heterogeneous among continents, with the highest number coming from North America and the lowest from Asia and Central America. Most of the non-native plants involved in dispersal studies were woody species from Asia with fleshy fruits dispersed by endozoochory. More than the half of the animal dispersal agents noted were birds, followed by mammals, ants and reptiles. The dominance of bird-dispersal interactions over other animal groups was consistent across geographical regions. Although most of the studies involved only native dispersers, interactions among non-native species were detected, providing support for the existence of invasional meltdown processes. Of the total number of reviewed articles reporting seed removal, 74% evaluated seed dispersal, but only a few studies included seed germination (35.3%), seedling establishment (5.4%) or seed predation (23.5%). Finally, we discuss some research biases and directions for future studies in the area.

Behavioral and Social Structure Effects on Seed Dispersal Curves of a Forest-Interior Bulbul (Pycnonotidae) in a Tropical Evergreen Forest

Biotropica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daphawan Khamcha ◽  
Tommaso Savini ◽  
David A. Westcott ◽  
Adam McKeown ◽  
Warren Y. Brockelman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Social Structure ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Tropical Evergreen Forest ◽  
Dispersal Curves

Seed dispersal interactions promoting plant invasions.

2020 ◽  
pp. 90-104
Author(s):  
M. Celeste Díaz Vélez ◽  
◽  
Ana E. Ferreras ◽  
Valeria Paiaro ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Seedling Establishment ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Invasional Meltdown ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Origin Life

Animal dispersers are essential for many non-native plants since they facilitate seed movement and might promote seed germination and seedling establishment, thereby increasing their chances of invasion. This chapter reviews the published literature on seed dispersal of non-native plant species by native and/or non-native animals. The following questions are addressed: (i) Are interactions between non-native plants and their animal dispersers evenly studied worldwide? (ii) Which are the distinctive traits (i.e. geographical origin, life form, dispersal strategy and propagule traits) of non-native plants that are dispersed by animals? (iii) Which are the most studied groups of dispersers of non-native plants around the world? (iv) Does the literature provide evidence for the Invasional Meltdown Hypothesis (non-native plant-non-native disperser facilitation)? (v) What is the role of animal dispersers at different stages of the non-native plant regeneration process? Our dataset of 204 articles indicates that geographical distribution of the studies was highly heterogeneous among continents, with the highest number coming from North America and the lowest from Asia and Central America. Most of the non-native plants involved in dispersal studies were woody species from Asia with fleshy fruits dispersed by endozoochory. More than the half of the animal dispersal agents noted were birds, followed by mammals, ants and reptiles. The dominance of bird-dispersal interactions over other animal groups was consistent across geographical regions. Although most of the studies involved only native dispersers, interactions among non-native species were detected, providing support for the existence of invasional meltdown processes. Of the total number of reviewed articles reporting seed removal, 74% evaluated seed dispersal, but only a few studies included seed germination (35.3%), seedling establishment (5.4%) or seed predation (23.5%). Finally, we discuss some research biases and directions for future studies in the area.

scholarly journals Assessment of viability and acrosomal status of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) sperm after treatment with calcium ionophore and heparin

2009 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sa-ardrit ◽  
N. Thongtip ◽  
K. Kornkaewrat ◽  
T. Faisaikarm ◽  
Y. Kitiyanant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Ionophore ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
And Control ◽  
Dual Staining

Knowledge about the acrosomal status of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) sperm is extremely limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability and acrosomal status of Asian elephant sperm following induction by calcium ionophore and heparin using propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA). Semen samples were collected from elephant bulls by manual stimulation. Semen was diluted with extender, cooled to 4°C and transported to a laboratory for the experiment. Sperm cells were incubated in modified Tyrode's medium containing either 1mM calcium ionophore or 10 mg/mℓ heparin for 5 h at 39°C. Sperm recovered at the onset (0 h), 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h of incubation were simultaneously assessed for the viability and acrosomal status using dual staining of FITC-PNA and PI. Results were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. A progressive increase in the proportion of live-acrosome reacted sperm was observed within 3 h of incubation in both treatment groups which slightly decreased at 4 to5 h of incubation. At 1 to 3 h of incubation, the percentage of live-acrosome reacted sperm induced by calcium ionophore was higher (P < 0.05) than those induced by heparin and the control. However, there were no statistical differences at 4 to 5 h of incubation. A progressive reduction of the percentage of motile sperm was observed in the control as well as both treatment groups. Sperm motility decreased sharply when they were incubated in calcium ionophore compared with incubation in heparin and control groups. These results indicate that the occurrence of live-acrosome reacted sperm in the Asian elephant was induced by calcium ionophore at a rate higher than that induced by heparin.

scholarly journals Contribución de Pheidole fallax y Ectatomma ruidum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) en la dispersión y germinación de semillas en áreas rehabilitadas de la mina de carbón del Cerrejón, Colombia

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bleydis Paola Gutierrez Rapalino ◽  
Yamileth Del Carmen Domínguez Haydar
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Germination Percentage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ectatomma Ruidum ◽  
Seed Extraction ◽  
And Control ◽  
Number Of Seeds ◽  
Control Samples

Seed dispersal is a key process in the re-establishment of vegetation on reclaimed lands. The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of the ant species Ectatomma ruidum and Pheidole fallax to seed dispersal and germination on reclaimed lands in the Cerrejón coal mine, Colombia. Four 6 x 40 m plots were installed in each area, in which the number of nests by species was counted and distances between closest nests of each species were measured. Five of the nests counted were chosen for seed extraction, and a nearby control sample was taken from each nest. In total, 295 nests were counted: 59 nests during the dry season and 236 nests during the rainy season, of which 84 belonged to P. fallax and 211 belonged to E. ruidum. A total of 21 304 seeds were found in nests and control samples, of which 19 349 were obtained from P. fallax nest refuse, and 318 were obtained from E. ruidum nests; 597 seeds were found in control samples. The number of seeds extracted from nests was significantly higher than the number of seeds removed from control samples. There was a significant difference between the number of seeds removed by P. fallax and the number of seeds removed by E. ruidum. The seed germination percentage from nests was higher than the percentage from seeds in control samples. In the case of P. fallax, the germination percentage was lower in control samples and higher in nests and refuse. The results suggest that the ant species E. ruidum and P. fallax may contribute to seed dispersal and re-establishment of vegetation in areas where they were found. These ants may thus significantly contribute to restoration processes in areas degraded by mining.

scholarly journals Effects of Clonostachys rosea f. catenula Inoculum on the Composting of Cabbage Wastes and the Endophytic Activities of the Composted Material on Tomatoes and Red Spider Mite Infestation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1184
Author(s):  
Nomfusi Ntsobi ◽  
Morris Fanadzo ◽  
Marilize Le Roes-Hill ◽  
Felix Nchu
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Spider Mite ◽  
Fungal Treatment ◽  
Tomato Seed ◽  
Clonostachys Rosea ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
Red Spider Mite ◽  
Phytotoxicity Test ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control

Globally, fungal inocula are being explored as agents for the optimization of composting processes. This research primarily evaluates the effects of inoculating organic vegetable heaps with the entomopathogenic fungus Clonostachys rosea f. catenula (Hypocreales) on the biophysicochemical properties of the end-product of composting. Six heaps of fresh cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) waste were inoculated with C. rosea f. catenula conidia and another six were not exposed to the fungus. The composted materials from the fungus- and control-treated heaps were subsequently used as a medium to cultivate tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The biophysicochemical characteristics of the composted materials were also assessed after composting. In addition, the protective effect of the fungal inoculum against red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) infestations in the tomatoes was evaluated through the determination of conidial colonization of the plant tissue and the number of plants infested by the insect. Furthermore, phytotoxicity tests were carried out post experiment. There were few significant variations (p < 0.05) in heap temperature or moisture level between treatments based on the weekly data. We found no significant differences in the levels of compost macronutrient and micronutrient constituents. Remarkably, the composted materials, when incorporated into a growth medium from fungus-treated heaps, induced a 100% endophytic tissue colonization in cultivated tomato plants. While fewer red spider mite infestations were observed in tomato plants grown in composted materials from fungus-treated heaps, the difference was not significant (χ2 = 0.96 and p = 0.32). The fungal treatment yielded composted materials that significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced tomato seed germination, and based on the phytotoxicity test, the composted samples from the heaps exposed to the C. rosea f. catenula inoculum were not toxic to tomato seeds and seedlings. In conclusion, this study showed that C. rosea f. catenula improved the quality of composted materials in terms of fungal endophytism and seed germination.

scholarly journals Social structure and demography of a remnant Asian elephant Elephas maximus population and the implications for survival

Oryx ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Hale ◽  
Kun Shi ◽  
Tania C. Gilbert ◽  
Kelvin S.-H. Peh ◽  
Philip Riordan
Keyword(s):  
Social Structure ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Effective Density ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Sex Ratio Bias ◽  
Elephant Population

Abstract The Asian elephant Elephas maximus is at risk of extinction as a result of anthropogenic pressures, and remaining populations are often small and fragmented remnants, occupying a fraction of the species' former range. Once widely distributed across China, only a maximum of 245 elephants are estimated to survive across seven small populations. We assessed the Asian elephant population in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve in Lincang Prefecture, China, using camera traps during May–July 2017, to estimate the population size and structure of this genetically important population. Although detection probability was low (0.31), we estimated a total population size of c. 20 individuals, and an effective density of 0.39 elephants per km2. Social structure indicated a strong sex ratio bias towards females, with only one adult male detected within the population. Most of the elephants associated as one herd but three adult females remained separate from the herd throughout the trapping period. These results highlight the fragility of remnant elephant populations such as Nangunhe and we suggest options such as a managed metapopulation approach for their continued survival in China and more widely.

scholarly journals Seed longevity of maize conserved under germplasm bank conditions for up to 60 years

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filippo Guzzon ◽  
Maraeva Gianella ◽  
Jose Alejandro Velazquez Juarez ◽  
Cesar Sanchez Cano ◽  
Denise E Costich
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Seed Longevity ◽  
Germplasm Bank ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Germination Experiments

Abstract Background and Aims The long-term conservation of seeds of plant genetic resources is of key importance for food security and preservation of agrobiodiversity. Nevertheless, there is scarce information available about seed longevity of many crops under germplasm bank conditions. Methods Through germination experiments as well as the analysis of historical monitoring data, we studied the decline in viability manifested by 1000 maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) seed accessions conserved for an average of 48 years at the CIMMYT germplasm bank, the largest maize seedbank in the world, under two cold storage conditions: an active (–3 °C; intended for seed distribution) and a base conservation chamber (–15 °C; for long-term conservation). Key Results Seed lots stored in the active chamber had a significantly lower and more variable seed germination, averaging 81.4 %, as compared with the seed lots conserved in the base chamber, averaging 92.1 %. The average seed viability detected in this study was higher in comparison with that found in other seed longevity studies on maize conserved under similar conditions. A significant difference was detected in seed germination and longevity estimates (e.g. p85 and p50) among accessions. Correlating seed longevity with seed traits and passport data, grain type showed the strongest correlation, with flint varieties being longer lived than floury and dent types. Conclusions The more rapid loss of seed viability detected in the active chamber suggests that the seed conservation approach, based on the storage of the same seed accessions in two chambers with different temperatures, might be counterproductive for overall long-term conservation and that base conditions should be applied in both. The significant differences detected in seed longevity among accessions underscores that different viability monitoring and regeneration intervals should be applied to groups of accessions showing different longevity profiles.

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