Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia, Lauraceae) seed and seedling dispersers and predators

Andreza M Martins,Fernanda M Abilio,Plinio Gonçalves De Oliveira,Raquel Partelli Feltrin,Fernanda Scheffer Alves De Lima,Priscilla De O Antonelli,Daniela Teixeira Vilela,Carl G Smith Iii,Collin Tidwell,Paul Hamel,Margaret Devall,Kristina Connor,Theodor Leininger,Nathan Schiff,A Dan Wilson

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2015.07.008

Abstract

Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia(Walter) Blume) is an endangered dioecious, clonal shrub that grows in periodically flooded forests of the southeastern United States. The probability of survival of dispersed pondberry seeds and new germinants is unknown, but few seedlings are noted in the forest. This study was undertaken to: (1) identify herbivores and predators of pondberry seeds and seedlings, (2) record the fate of pondberry seeds and seedlings after simulated dispersal in areas with lower and higher understory cover, and (3) calculate the probability of seed survival in the two cover types. The study was conducted in or near the Delta National Forest and the Delta Experimental Forest, MS. Pondberry seed and seedling plots were established at sites with high or low cover. Video cameras with infrared illumination were set up to monitor animal visitors to the plots. Image analysis indicated that swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus (Bachman)) and wood rats (Neotoma floridana Ord) cut or ate seedlings, while other animals visited the plots without damaging seedlings. Numerous bird species and mammals visited the seed plots and some were filmed eating seeds. Pondberry seeds exposed in open habitats had a significantly higher survival rate than those exposed in habitats with more herbaceous and woody understory cover. The novelty and quality of the temporal data collected via video monitoring indicate the importance of this method in collecting data that are not otherwise available on endangered and rare species.

Highlights

Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia (Walter) Blume), a member of the Lauraceae, is a rhizomatous, clonal shrub that grows up to 2 m tall in seasonally flooded wetlands and on the wet edges of sinks, ponds, and depressions in the southeastern United States (Devall et al, 2001; Devall, 2013; Radford et al, 1968)
Image analysis indicated that swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus (Bachman)) and wood rats (Neotoma floridana Ord) cut or ate seedlings, while other animals visited the plots without damaging seedlings
Pondberry seeds exposed in open habitats had a significantly higher survival rate than those exposed in habitats with more herbaceous and woody understory cover

Summary

Introduction

Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia (Walter) Blume), a member of the Lauraceae, is a rhizomatous, clonal shrub that grows up to 2 m tall in seasonally flooded wetlands and on the wet edges of sinks, ponds, and depressions in the southeastern United States (Devall et al, 2001; Devall, 2013; Radford et al, 1968). In some areas pondberry populations occur in only one or two forest stands, but colonies may be numerous within individual patches (Morgan, 1983; Smith et al, 2004). In general pondberry occupies forested habitats that are normally flooded or have saturated soils during the dormant season, but infrequently experience periods of extended flooding during the growing season (Tucker, 1984). Klomps (1980) and Tucker (1984) suggested that pondberry populations usually occur as understory plants associated with mature forests and may be shade-dependent, its habitat can be variable. The distribution and abundance of pondberry are believed to be affected by habitat destruction and alteration, especially timber cutting, clearing of land, and local drainage or flooding of wetlands. The species was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1986 US Fish and Wildlife Service (1986)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion