Abies religiosa (Kunth) Schltdl. et Cham. SEED PREDATION

Abstract

Predation in coniferous forests is relevant as a major process for its conservation. However, its intensity and the parts used define structural changes in ecosystems. Seed consumption in particular is a selection force by itself as it means germ plasm loss, in the one hand, and its potential relocation, in the other. In order to know the foraging effect of fir seeds upon the reproductive potential of the species, an experiment was carried out at Zoquiapan Forest Experimental Station, at Mexico state; two canopy opening were considered (open and closed), three treatments and two replications were tested, which consisted on traps built ex professo to determine rodent, bird and bird plus rodent predation. In each of them 100 seeds were put and ordered in 10 groups of 10 seeds, following a regular arrangement. Once a week an assessment was made, during which the remaining seeds were counted and the lost material was completed. Results show that the highest seed loss was found in the open crown forest in the bird plus rodent traps, and the lowest in those where the last consumers were involved, and where survival was 80 per cent, but with non- significant differences between this rate and the one of birds. Seed predation does not seem to be a risk factor for the conservation of Abies religiosa.