Hornbills determine the fates of Aglaia spectabilis seeds through seed dispersal

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25840162
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Ecology/Environment
• Research Institution: Ishikawa Prefectural University
• Principal Investigator: KITAMURA Shumpei 石川県立大学, 生物資源環境学部, 准教授 (60549674)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: サイチョウ / 種子散布 / カオヤイ国立公園 / 種子食害 / アグライア / 実生 / 生存率

Outline of Final Research Achievements

I studied the qualitative effectiveness of hornbills as seed dispersers for large-seeded tree species Aglaia spectabilis (Meliaceae) in Thailand, by comparing the germination rate between controls and hornbill-regurgitated seeds and by following the seedling survival after 15 years. For Aglaia spectabilis, hornbill passage had positive effects on germination rate. 1-yr seedlings of Aglaia spectabilis were scattered in the forest. Some seedlings were distributed far from the fruiting trees and survival of 1-yr seedlings after 15 years was relatively high (16%). Based on the results obtained from previous studies and this project, I conclude that hornbills are quantitatively and qualitatively effective seed dispersers for large seeded tree species Aglaia spectabilis in Thai forest.

Free Research Field

植物生態学