Phenological patterns, fruit predation, and seed dispersal in two Endangered trees (Elaeocarpus spp.) of Southern Western Ghats, India

Abstract

The observation on phenological patterns, fruit predation, and seed dispersal behavior of Elaeocarpus gaussenii and Elaeocarpus recurvatus was carried out at Megamalai wildlife sanctuary and Kodaikanal wildlife sanctuary, Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. The phenoevents of vegetative and reproductive phases of both trees were mainly depended on climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall. The leaf flushing period of two species of Elaeocarpus was observed during presummer season and the leaf initiation was recorded from the end of November or December. The observation on flowering phenology of two species of Elaeocarpus indicated that mass flowering has observed as regular phenoevents, whereas flowering intensity has varied from year to year. However, in both species, flowering period was influenced by temperature of study site. The fleshy fruits have been attracted by different predators such as the Malabar giant squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Indian crested porcupine, red-whiskered bulbul, green barbet, Indian white-eye. The size and weight of the fruit were also play an important role toward the attraction of predators. The study has find out the problems in the mature individuals of both tree species in the study areas and to develop a solution to raise the additional individuals in the forest areas.