Microhabitat structure modulates seed fate outcomes through differential effects on native and exotic rodent interactions in an endangered palm species
Microhabitat structure plays a critical role in rodent behavior and seed resource use, influencing plant population dynamics through shifts between positive and negative interaction outcomes. However, how microhabitat attributes affect the balance between these antagonistic (seed predation) and mutu...
| Autores: | , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión publicada |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2026 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) |
| Repositorio: | DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:digital.csic.es:10261/419173 |
| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/10261/419173 https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105027381759 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Rodent behavior Jubaea chilensis Octodon degus Octodon lunatus Rattus rattus |
| Sumario: | Microhabitat structure plays a critical role in rodent behavior and seed resource use, influencing plant population dynamics through shifts between positive and negative interaction outcomes. However, how microhabitat attributes affect the balance between these antagonistic (seed predation) and mutualistic (dispersal) outcomes remains poorly understood for many endangered plant species. Here, we examined how microhabitat structure influences seed-rodent interactions in Jubaea chilensis, an endangered palm endemic to central Chile, whose populations interact with both native and exotic rodent species across different vegetation types. We hypothesized that microhabitat structure, particularly vegetation cover across different habitat types, would significantly influence the dispersal-predation balance by affecting the composition and foraging behavior of native and exotic rodent species. We monitored seed use and rodent activity using feeding stations and camera traps, while assessing microhabitat attributes. We found that exotic rodents dominated forest formations with dense understory vegetation, while native species preferred open scrublands. Understory cover emerged as the strongest predictor of the dispersal-predation balance, with dense understory shifting outcomes toward predation over dispersal. Microhabitats with higher understory cover and leaf litter water retention consistently favored seed predation, while areas with greater canopy height promoted more favorable dispersal-predation outcomes. Our findings suggest that J. chilensis individuals experience unfavorable dispersal-predation balances in forest habitats dominated by exotic rodents, while scrubland formations provide more balanced outcomes, where native rodents perform crucial seed dispersal services. These findings highlight the importance of considering microhabitat structure and ecological context in conservation strategies aimed at enhancing palm recruitment success and population viability. |
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