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12 - Feeding ecology, frugivory and seed dispersal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

By
J. Lawrence Dew
Edited by
Joanna M. Setchell  and
Deborah J. Curtis
Joanna M. Setchell
Affiliation:
University of Durham
Deborah J. Curtis
Affiliation:
Oxford Brookes University
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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Frugivores are among the most diverse and abundant of tropical vertebrates. Studying them is thus a central part of tropical biology. Because fruit availability fluctuates throughout the year, most frugivores have variable diets that may include leaves, fruits, flowers and seeds, as well as insects or other animal matter. Identifying food plants and parts eaten is a critical part of this research, but can be complicated when you are studying canopy-dwelling animals in regions with diverse flora. Frugivores are often described as important ecological interactors (mutualists) because of their role as seed dispersers (Howe & Miriti, 2004). Studying plant and animal strategies simultaneously is no simple task, but doing so provides new perspectives on botany, feeding ecology, digestive physiology, coevolution and plant–animal interdependence, which may provide valuable tools for conservation (Lambert & Chapman, 2005; Link & Di Fiore, 2006; Barrera et al., 2008; Nunez-Iturri et al., 2008). Particularly in the tropics, endozoochory remains one area in which the dedicated natural historian still has much to reveal to the world of science. Here, I describe some of the methods and equipment required for animal observation, plant sample identification, and the analysis of faecal contents and feeding remains. I also give some practical advice on studying ranging, seed dispersal, gut passage times, seed germination and seedling survivorship in the field.

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Chapter
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Field and Laboratory Methods in Primatology
A Practical Guide
 , pp. 225 - 236
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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