Seed dispersal agents of two Ficus species in a disturbed tropical forest

Abstract

Observations were carried out at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore on two species of the keystone genus, Ficus fistulosa and F. grossularoides. This study shows that the two species of different morphological characteristics (e.g. plant height, fruit colour and size) attracted different assemblage of avian frugivores. The frequency of visits by the avian frugivores was significantly different between the two Ficus species. The fig-eating frugivore communities feeding on both Ficus species seemed to be comparatively depauperate and a substantial number of members were the non-obligate (i.e. routine) avian frugivores. Mammalian frugivory was also observed. The mean number of feedings at F. grossularoides might not correlate with body size of the avian frugivores. Such information may aid the forest conservation and management of the nature reserve and future attempts at forest restoration.