Pre- and post-dispersal seed loss and soil seed dynamics of the dominant Bulnesia retama (Zygophyllaceae) shrub in a sandy Monte desert of western Argentina

In deserts and semi-deserts dominant plants seldom rely on a persistent seed bank to ensure their recruitment from sexual reproduction, which is generally based on the seeds produced in the last reproductive event. We studied pre- and post-dispersal seed loss of Bulnesia retama, a dominant shrub of the sandy Monte deserts (western Argentina). We hypothesised that pre- and post-dispersal seed depletion in B. retama regulate soil seed density and in turn decrease soil seed reserves. We also hypothesised that spatial patches induced by standing vegetation and other microsites additionally affect post-dispersal seed loss and soil seed density.We observed that as much as half the total seed production was lost due to pre-dispersal seed predation. Seed dispersal plus predation showed a negative exponential function with 61% of seeds falling during the first 28 days, and 99% after 90 days, when 34% of the seeds remained inside excluded branches. A significant patch effect was observed on soil seed density and seed dynamics, with a greater number of seeds and increased seed depletion rates below B. retama shrubs. However, spatial patches did not affect seed germination although they increased with burial time, from 22% to 70% after 75 and 276 days, respectively. Likewise, a similar trend was found in potential seed germination; seeds collected directly from mother plants had a low germination rate (less than 25%), which increased to 75% after 276 days of soil burial. About 15% of the dispersed seeds should persist to the next rainy season, thus contributing to a low-density but persistent seed bank.The delay in seed germination and temporal decrease in soil seed density that we observed for B. retama suggest that a set of mechanisms have been developed promoting germination events whenever soil water is available, at any moment of the year.     

Date palm as a keystone species in Baja California peninsula,Mexico oases

Based on historical records, Jesuit missionaries were the first to introduce date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecacea) to the mission oases of the Mexican Baja California peninsula. Seedling date palms readily naturalized and have partially, and in some cases almost entirely replaced the native fan palm, Washingtonia filifera and Washingtonia robusta in the oases. These wild and introduced palms form the over-story for smaller cultivated trees, shrubs, and open gardens of mixed perennial and annual cultivars in complex agro-ecosystems. They also grow in dense stands along the oases arroyos where they may be “owned” by various oasis residents and semi- to carefully managed, or comprise wild populations beyond the periphery of the oasis settlements. These palms serve as ecological and cultural keystone species, altering oasis microclimates and providing shade for understory crops, shelter and food resources for resident and migratory fauna, and building materials and food for oasis human residents. I explore the agro-ecological role of the date palm in Baja California peninsula oases.     

Seed dispersal and seed fate in Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia)

Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is a charismatic symbol of the Mojave Desert. Despite its familiarity, we know little about the reproduction of this species, including mechanisms of seed dispersal. Here we examine mechanisms of seed dispersal and resulting seed fate. We experimentally tracked fruit and seed removal and followed the fates of Joshua tree seeds using radioactive tracers. The majority of Joshua tree fruits monitored were taken directly from the tree canopy by white-tailed antelope squirrels, and seeds and fruits on the soil surface were quickly removed by animals. Rodents given seeds labeled with scandium-46 cached them between 0.1 cm and 4.1 cm deep. Seedling emergence was most common for seeds planted 1 cm deep, whereas seeds placed on the soil surface seldom germinated. Wind dispersal is unlikely because fruits and seeds lack adaptations for wind dispersal; wind speeds required to move Joshua tree seeds and fruits across the soil surface were higher than those typically found in the Mojave Desert. Further, rodents removed most seeds before abiotic burial was possible. We conclude that most Joshua tree seeds are dispersed by scatter hoarding by rodents, and that caches made by rodents are suitable sites for seedling emergence.     

黄土高原子午岭林区油松林种子雨强度及时空动态特征

通过布设种子收集器（接种框）,对黄土高原子午岭林区的油松密林、油松林缘和单株油松（孤立木）的种子雨强度、种子雨历时、种子散播的时空分布特征进行了分析研究。结果表明：（1）油松林内、林缘、孤立木输入地面的种子总量分别为85.5、191.5、178.0粒·m^-2,不同母树类型种子雨强度有明显差异;（2）油松种子降落从10月初开始,11月初结束,种子雨历时约32 d;种子雨在10 d左右达到峰值;（3）林内种子雨强度有较大的空间异质性,种子分布呈聚集分布格局（扩散系数C=33.618）;（4）种子雨过程中不同类型种子的消长趋势及所占比重不同,完整种子在种子雨初期占有优势,未成熟种子在种子雨后期急剧增加,而残缺种子在整个种子雨过程中占的比重变化不大,完整、未成熟和残缺种子累积总量与种子雨强度呈线性相关;（5）林缘和孤立木的种子雨集中在距母树1～3 m的冠幅范围内,这说明油松种子雨扩散以重力传播为主。     

Interaction dynamics of avian frugivores and plants in a Chilean Mediterranean shrubland

Studies of plant-frugivore interactions are important for identifying the roles that biotic seed vectors play in seed dispersal, and ultimately plant recruitment. In a subandean shrubland of central Chile, 50% of total flora (14 species) has fleshy fruits dispersed by birds. We examined two aspects of frugivore-plant interaction in this system: the structure of the seed-dispersal network, to predict the effect of hypothetical frugivore species loss for seed dispersal and disperser effectiveness, by analyzing whether birds contribute equally to the removal of seeds from different shrub species. We show that the seed-dispersal network is highly and significantly nested, resulting in a core of interactions among generalist vertebrates and plant species. A reduction in the populations of the three main avian generalists, Turdus falcklandii, Mimus thenca and Elaenia albiceps, would disrupt seed dispersal and natural regeneration for most woody species. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the network was robust to the random loss of frugivorous species but highly sensitive to the loss of generalist species first. Mist-net sampling of birds corroborated that most fruit removal was effected by E. albiceps and T. falcklandii, highlighting the importance of frugivore species identity on seed dispersal for the maintenance of Mediterranean shrublands.     

Seasonal variation of the soil seed bank of grasses in central Argentina as related to grazing and shrub cover

The objectives of this research were to (a) study seasonal variation of the seed bank of grasses in two areas with different grazing history, (b) analyse the effect of the presence of shrubs on the seed bank and (c) study seed viability and dormancy in buried seeds of Piptochaetium napostaense and Stipa tenuis. The seed density of grasses was in general low and showed seasonal variation. Most of the grasses showed maximum seed density in December when seed dispersal occurs. Shrub cover did not show a marked influence in seed accumulation. The relatively high number of damaged seeds suggests that predation may be an important factor in seed bank dynamics in the Caldenal. Seeds of dominant perennial forage grasses showed dormancy that could explain, at least in part, persistence of these species in spite of periodical disturbance.     

Parthenocarpy, attractiveness and seed predation by birds in Bursera morelensis

Parthenocarpy (production of seedless fruits) is a characteristic associated with a strategy to reduce seed predation by birds and to increase the attractiveness to frugivorous birds. Red cuajiote (Bursera morelensis) is an endemic tree species of Mexico that produces seeded and parthenocarpic fruits. The purpose of this work was to examine whether parthenocarpy is a factor that increases the number of bird visits to trees and if it is a strategy to diminish seeds predation by granivorous birds. We made field observations to determine the relation between the number of bird visits and fruit removal rate, to the total number of parthenocarpic fruits produced, and the number of birdpredated fruits to the number and proportion of parthenocarpic fruits in the trees. We found that in trees with a bigger amount of parthenocarpic fruits, both frugivoruos and granivorous birds made more visits; we then suggested that parthenocarpic fruits can act like a signal of attraction by means of a density and coloration effect. Also, we found that in trees with bigger proportions of parthenocarpic fruit, predation by granivorous birds is smaller. Parthenocarpy has an adaptative value for B.morelensis increasing bird visitation and reducing seed predation in the Tehuacan Valley.     

Removal of Pilosocereus leucocephalus (Cactaceae,tribe Cereeae) seeds by ants and their potential role as primary seed dispersers

Myrmecochory sensu stricto is uncommon in Neotropical forests. In these ecosystems the role of ants as secondary dispersers of non-myrmecochorous seeds is well known, however, the primary dispersal of this type of seed by ants has been poorly documented. Only a few anecdotal observations scattered throughout the literature report the removal of these seeds from fruit on the plant by ants. We show experimentally that ants are able to remove more pulp and seeds from fruit on the branches than do flying vertebrates in Pilosocereus leucocephalus, a columnar cactus bearing typically ornithochorous fruit. In addition, experiments emulating seed cleaning revealed that cleaned seeds germinate earlier. These results suggest a possible role of ants as primary cactus dispersers; one that requires more extensive research on seed fate and seedling establishment success.     

不同生境条件下泡泡刺(Nitraria sphaerocarpa)种群的空间格局及动态分析

应用生态空间理论(theory of spatial ecology)和地统计技术，分析了不同生境条件下泡泡刺种群的空间分布特征及其动态。结果表明：受气候条件的控制，泡泡刺种群是以斑块状格局形式存在。在较小的尺度上，生境条件起到了明显的作用，戈壁生境中的泡泡刺灌丛沙堆趋向于斑块小、密度大、空间自相关距离短，而沙漠生境中的结果相反。另外，沙埋和地下水位下降不仅为泡泡刺种群拓宽了生态位，而且是该种群演化的驱动力。     

科尔沁沙地水域景观格局的时空动态——以奈曼旗为例

对位于科尔沁沙地腹地的奈曼旗近30 a来土地利用/覆被信息中水域类型的景观格局指数进行了时空组合分析。结果表明,大尺度研究区（8 135.15 km2）1975-1985年水体与湿地斑块的类型面积和数量增加,形状趋于复杂;1985-2005年斑块类型面积和数量大幅减少,形状趋于简单;中尺度研究区（892.74 km2）水体与湿地斑块的类型面积在波动中减小,湿地斑块数量减少和形状简单化的转折期相对较短且滞后于水体。小尺度研究区（110.42 km2）集中了人畜以及上游活动的干扰,水体与湿地斑块仅在个别时期出现,难以连续存在。在各尺度研究区内,河漫滩斑块类型面积变化趋势各异,数量和形状复杂程度都相对稳定;且随着研究区增大形状更加不规则。水域类型的景观格局虽然在不同时空上的动态过程存在差异性,但其发展方向具有相同趋势,发展过程受到气候波动和人类活动干扰的共同影响。     

Do free-ranging domestic goats show ‘landscapes of fear’? Patch use in response to habitat features and predator cues

One factor that influences foraging is predation risk. As a result, herbivores may not use landscapes uniformly due to spatial differences in perceived predation risk. Wild herbivores forage across these ‘landscapes of fear’; however, the extent to which domestic herbivores consider them is generally unknown. Using a grid of artificial food patches and measuring giving up densities (GUDs), we mapped landscapes of fear of free-ranging domestic goats on three substrates. In the first experiment, we related GUDs to landscape variables. Goats preferred feeding in open ground with firm substrate compared to a sandy riverbed or a rocky hillside. We suggest that differences relate to escape potential and the occurrence of ambush sites. Landscape variables that influenced feeding effort were patch visibility and plants next to a patch. In a second experiment, we increased predation risk by adding predator dung and urine into the habitats. In response, feeding effort declined across all three habitats. Furthermore, goats only responded to patch visibility and not plants next to the patches. Better sightlines increase predator detection and allow individuals to see group members. Our results indicate that predation risk influences the extent to which free-ranging domestic herbivores utilise landscapes.     

Dispersal and germination ofProsopis flexuosa(Fabaceae) seeds by desert mammals in Argentina

The ‘algarrobo’Prosopis flexuosais an important food resource in the Monte Desert of Argentina. Native, domestic, and exotic mammals consume the fruit of this legume and disperse the seed through faeces. In the present study we analyse the effect that different dispersal agents (cattle, horse, European wild boar, rodents, gray fox) have on seed damage, viability, and germination. Cattle increase germination at the expense of reduced viability, whereas horses maintain viability but do not contribute to a prompt germination response. Among native mammals, the gray fox maintains seed viability without increasing germination, whereas rodents affect seed viability but enhance germination rates. The European wild boar, however, damages all of the seeds it consumes.     

Factors controlling regeneration in a rare desert tree Acacia peuce: Limits to soil seed bank accumulation in time and space

We assessed reasons for rare recruitment in Acacia peuce, an Australian arid zone tree, by testing recruitment-limitation hypotheses relating to seed bank inputs and losses. Viable seed occurred in low density in the soil (<1 seed m²) whereas freshly produced seed was non-dormant and germination was high and fast, indicating small rain events can deplete seed banks without providing sufficient moisture for seedling survival. Seed bank seed had lower viability than fresh seed. Insect predation of seed was negligible but seed pod production and seed number/pod were low. Thus, seed bank accumulation is limited by low inputs and continual high seed losses through germination and potentially seed death. No seed shadow effect under adult canopies was found, but dispersal beyond existing stands was negligible. Seed dispersal from parent plants occurred by wind movement of unopened pods whereas the resident ant fauna did not transport seed. Microsite parameters strongly influenced horizontal distribution of buried seed, with all seed being retrieved from vegetated sandy mounds. Overall, we found that seedling recruitment is likely to be confined to large above average rainfall events because the species is unlikely to maintain a seed bank in below-average and average rainfall phases.     

A method for delineating a hierarchically networked structure of urban landscape

We developed a new approach combining statistical and graphical methods to build a hierarchically networked structure for understanding spatial characteristics of urban landscapes at multiple scales. Natural breaks optimization algorithm is applied to determine the optimal number of urban land hierarchies and assign discrete patches into ordered sub-groups according to a selected geometric or functional attribute. Patches contained in a sub-group are linked to the patches in the next sub-group according to the spatial relationships between the patch centroids and Voronoi cells. The conceptual foundations and technical details of this approach are elaborated in the case study of building a hierarchically networked structure of urban built-up patches in Beijing. This approach can be applied to quantify landscape patterns of other land uses to facilitate assessments of interconnection between various types of land uses at varied hierarchical levels (spatial scales) and to evaluate ecological service functions of urban built infrastructures.     

杉木种子涩籽的空间特征分析

杉木为我国南方山地主要造林树种,其分布范围广,造林种子需求量大,而涩籽是造成其种子发芽率低的重要原因之一。杉木不同分布区,山地环境条件差异较大,杉木种子涩籽的空间差异也较大。采用空间自相关、空间关联和分形理论等方法对福建省杉木种子涩籽的空间特征进行了分析,结果表明杉木种子涩籽空间异质性较大,其自相关系数和半方差函数变化与空间尺度密切相关;地理位置是影响杉木种子涩籽的重要因素之一,在杉木种子园的建立及种子调拨过程中应考虑杉木种子涩籽空间特征。     

Beginnings and early history of date palm garden cultivation in the Middle East

Despite its economic and symbolic importance in the arid regions of the Middle East little is still known about the early cultivation of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Besides its numerous uses, this fruit tree constitutes the main species and structural element of the date palm gardens that characterize the hot deserts of the Old World. These agrosystems, perfectly adapted to the specific constraints of the environment, concentrate agricultural production in an artificial and intensively cultivated space depending on irrigation. While the first evidence of the cultivation of date palms in southern Mesopotamia dates to the 5th millennium B.C., oasis agriculture seems to have developed mainly during the early Bronze Age (from around 3000 B.C.) when this type of agrosystem can be reconstructed in different parts of the Middle East: Mesopotamia, southeastern Iran and eastern Arabia. The present paper draws together evidence from different kinds of sources (archaeobotany, texts, iconography) bearing on the early history of oasis agriculture. Questions of particular interest are the organization of past date palm gardens and their irrigation.     

Patterns of seed occurrence in corsac and red fox diets in Mongolia

Corsac fox (Vulpes corsac) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) diets often consist of small quantities of vegetation, including fruit and seeds that may represent important sources of energy and nutrition. However, details of the species consumed are few, but may provide insight into the role of foxes as seed dispersers. We analyzed scats of corsac (n = 408) and red foxes (n = 533) collected in an arid region of Mongolia from June 2006 to June 2007. We found 13 seed species in corsac scats, the most common being Allium polyrhizum, Asparagus gobicus, and Tribulus terrestris, and 12 species in red fox scats, the most common being Amygdalus pedunculata, Corispermum mongolicum, and T. terrestris. The proportion of scats with seeds varied significantly by season for both foxes. Seeds occurred most frequently during the breeding period, which corresponded with winter, and least frequently during the dispersal period in autumn for both species. We detected no differences in the proportion of scats with seeds between species seasonally. Our results suggest that fruit represents an important component of diet, especially during winter when availability of other prey items is low, and that both foxes may facilitate seed dispersal of some plant species.     

Vegetation heterogeneity in Monte Desert ecosystems: A multi-scale approach linking patterns and processes

We review the current state of research on vegetation heterogeneity in the Monte Desert at scales varying from landscape to intra-patch. Different factors are related to vegetation heterogeneity at every scale. At a coarse scale (i.e. landscapes and communities) vegetation heterogeneity is commonly determined by abiotic factors, whereas biotic interactions usually influence fine scale (patch, intrapatch) heterogeneity. Communities are distributed at the landscape scale according to differences in precipitation, topography and soil attributes. On the other hand, there is evidence that the spatial pattern of plant patches within communities is determined by runon –runoff processes, although biotic influences such as grazing can induce changes in the spatial pattern of patches when plant cover is strongly reduced. In the same way, at patch and intrapatch scales, biotic interactions (i.e. plant –plant interactions, grazing) determine the size and the species composition of plant patches as well as the distribution of species inside plant patches. However, the mechanisms operating behind such biotic interactions at small scales are commonly related to plant-induced changes in the physical environment. We also found evidence of cross-scale interactions, feedbacks, and non-linear effects such as those induced by grazing disturbance. Our analysis showed some regional differences in patterns and processes related to vegetation heterogeneity along the Monte Desert which can be ascribed to climatic and taxonomic variation among areas. Although information about vegetation heterogeneity and its causes and consequences in the Monte Desert is abundant, some areas where knowledge is scarce are detailed.     

土地利用空间格局的图形信息表达初步研究

土地利用表现为在自然要素和人类活动的综合作用下的一系列异质性的图形。不同的土地利用空间格局的地学形成机制、生态功能、演化方向和对环境的影响各不相同,其空间图形也千差万别。运用景观生态学原理、地理图形信息理论,以位于中国北方农牧交错带的吉林省前郭县作为研究区,在GIS的支持下,归纳、抽象了各主要土地利用类型斑块形状及其描述参数,探讨了土地利用空间格局和空间分布的表达方法(VCM曲线),实现了土地利用空间格局图形的数量化描述和分析。其结果为从图形信息机理的角度研究土地利用格局的地学形成机制及生态功能、时空演化等方面奠定了基础     

农牧交错区沙地景观空间格局的间隙度分析

科尔沁沙地农牧交错区典型景观空间格局的间隙度分析表明:放牧活动是造成该地区景观变化的主要原因,这一过程直接导致了半固定沙丘斑块(放牧场)在整个景观中的间隙度指数增高、面积减少;相反,半流动沙丘斑块间隙度降低,面积增大。农业生产活动对农田斑块的影响要小于牧业对半固定沙丘斑块的影响。同时研究结果还指出,尺度对空间格局的分析有较大的影响,对同一研究对象采用不同的尺度来研究,可确定两者间的相互关系。景观间隙度分析,可以为研究不同的生态学过程在景观中的扩散、转移提供必备的条件和依据。