Distribution of myrmecochorous species over the landscape and their potential long-distance dispersal by emus and kangaroos
Distribution of myrmecochorous species over the landscape and their potential long-distance dispersal by emus and kangaroos
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DOI：
10.1111/j.1472-4642.2007.00402.x
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发表时间：
2008-01-01
影响因子：
4.6
通讯作者：
Lamont, Byron B.
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Calvino-Cancela, Maria;He, Tianhua;Lamont, Byron B.
地形的异质性可以创造一个镶嵌的基质类型，导致孤立的植物种群的形成。种子的传播，然后成为这种合适的，但远程基板类型的殖民化至关重要。我们调查了7 elaiosome-bearing物种（myrmecochores）超过5公里（2）的天然石楠在澳大利亚西南部的分布。蚂蚁是这些物种的标准传播方式，它们提供有限的传播（通常只有几米）。六种与特定的基质类型（沙丘或沼泽），所有发生的离散种群，平均270-500米，最近的沙丘边缘280米。我们评估了鸸鹋和袋鼠作为替代剂之间的基板类型的长距离种子传播的可能作用。它们的粪便中含有三种目标物种的可存活种子，以及其他蚁科植物，并均匀分布在基质类型上。虽然这些植物物种之间的迁移首选的基板类型时，似乎不太可能只考虑其标准的分散剂（蚂蚁），它是非常可能的鸸鹋（特别是）和袋鼠的存在下，作为非标准的分散剂。这可能会对植物物种保护产生重要影响，因为它增加了生境的连通性，有利于区域持久性。
Topographical heterogeneity can create a mosaic of substrate types leading to the formation of isolated plant populations. Seed dispersal then becomes crucial for the colonization of such suitable but remote substrate types. We surveyed the distribution of seven elaiosome-bearing species (myrmecochores) over 5 km(2) of natural heathland in southwestern Australia. Ants are the standard means of dispersal of these species, which provide limited dispersal (usually of a few metres). Six species were associated with particular substrate types (dune or swale) and all occurred as discrete populations, on average 270-500 m apart, with closest dune edges 280 m apart. We evaluated the possible roles of emus and kangaroos as alternative agents of long-distance seed dispersal between substrate types. Their droppings contained viable seeds of three of the target species, as well as other myrmecochores, and were evenly distributed over the substrate types. While migration of these plant species between preferred substrate types seems unlikely when considering only their standard dispersal agents (ants), it is highly likely in the presence of emus (in particular) and kangaroos that act as non-standard dispersers. This may have important consequences for plant species conservation by increasing habitat connectivity and favouring regional persistence.