Endangered plant-parrot mutualisms: seed tolerance to predation makes parrots pervasive dispersers of the Parana pine

• DOI: 10.1038/srep31709
• Publication Date: 2016-08-22T09:11:59Z
• Authors: José L. Tella; Francisco V. Dénes; Viviane Zulian; Nêmora P. Prestes; Jaime Martínez; Guillermo Blanco; Fernando Hiraldo
• Keywords: Mutualism; Frugivore; Seed predation; Carrion; Seed dispersal syndrome

Abstract Parrots are largely considered plant antagonists as they usually destroy the seeds feed on. However, there is evidence that parrots may also act seed dispersers. We evaluated dual role of predators and dispersers Critically Endangered Parana pine ( Araucaria angustifolia ). Eight nine parrot species predated from 48% 526 pines surveyed. Observations commonest indicated 22.5% picked were dispersed by carrying them in their beaks. Another five seeds, at an estimated average distance c. 250 m. Dispersal distances did not differ those observed jays, main avian Contrary to often dropped partially eaten seeds. Most these handled parrots, proportion germinated was higher than undamaged This be explained a predator satiation effect, suggesting large evolved attract consumers for dispersal. represents thus far overlooked key plant-parrot mutualism, which both components threatened with extinction. The interaction becoming locally extinct long before global extinction involved.