Abstract
We examined the effects of fragmentation on Spanish juniper Juniperus thurifera in central Spain by comparing eight small forest fragments (SF: 0·2–16 ha) with two large forests (LF:150 and 270 ha). Wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus, the only rodent seed eaters, were 8·9 times more dense in SF, whereas thrushes Turdus spp., the main avian seed dispersers, were 4·6 times more abundant in LF. Finches (seed eaters) were scarce in both forest groups. Mean fruit abundance was significantly higher in LF. Seed consumption was mainly by mice in SF and by finches in LF. Thrush pellets with intact seeds, seedling abundance and the proportion of trees with nearby seedlings, were all higher in LF. This evidence points to a decrease in the dispersal efficiency of Spanish juniper in SF. We suggest that the processes leading to reduced dispersal ability might be inherent to fragmentation and represent a threat for the survival of fruit-bearing plants in patchy environments.
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