Artificial roosts as seed dispersal nuclei in a cerrado area in Triângulo Mineiro, Brazil

Abstract

Vertical artificial structures can serve as artificial roosts attracting birds and increase the seed rain. The purpose of this work was to study the efficiency of different types of artificial roosts as seed dispersal nuclei in a cerrado (Neotropical savannah) area under natural regeneration. Three types of artificial roosts were installed ("X", "3X" and "wire") and the species of birds using them and plant species in the seed rain were monitored for a year. The efficiency of the roosts was measured by comparing the seed rain with natural roosts (control). We recorded 760 individuals of 24 species of birds on the artificial roosts. There were more dispersed seeds under artificial roosts than under natural roosts .We collected 607 samples of feces, 569 under artificial roosts (containing 5252 seeds) and 38 under natural roosts (containing 228 seeds). The seeds were of 21 species/morphospecies. The 3X roost was the most used by birds, but the seed rain was similar between 3X and X roosts. We also recorded more seeds under artificial roosts than under natural roosts. Cyanocorax cristatellus (curl-crested jay), an omnivorous bird, was the most frequent bird recorded at the artificial roosts and seeds of Miconia species were dominant in the seed rain. Artificial roosts were efficient as seed dispersal nuclei and can be adopted as a method to accelerate the regeneration of degraded areas. Research that focuses on artificial roost structure and the factors that influence the seed rain is useful to define targeted and more efficient strategies to habitat restoration.