Population Dynamics Of Rattans (Arecaceae, Subfamily Calamoideae) Through Fruit Utilization And Seed Distribution By Frugivorous Mammals
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Date
2014-01
Authors
Ruppert, Nadine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Many rattan species have a high economic value and thus became threatened by
overexploitation in the wild. This study assesses rattan diversity, abundance and biomass
change and identifies main mammal seed dispersers of rattans in a lowland Dipterocarp
rain forest of West-Malaysia during a three-years study period. It also adresses seedling
development and general flowering and fruiting events whereof a more detailed look on
one species, namely Calamus castaneus, is taken. All rattan clusters within the study
plots (12.2 ha) were GPS-tagged and their stems counted. By means of video-traps at
rattan frutescenses and seed stations their main mammal fruit and seed utilizers were
identified. Population sizes, home ranges, moving patterns, and maximum seed dispersal
ability were analysed by executing a mark and recapture study of small mammals and by
means of radio-tracking of the primate species Macaca nemestrina. In total twelve rattan
species of five genera comprising almost 2000 stems with a mean biomass of 3.1 t ha-1
were surveyed. The five most abundant species were Daemonorops angustifolia (39.0
stems ha-1), Calamus castneus (31.5 stems ha-1), D. micracantha (29.3 stems ha-1),
D. calicarpa (17.9 stems ha-1), and Cerotolobus subangulatus (10.3 stems ha-1).
Description
Keywords
(Arecaceae, Subfamily Calamoideae) , Frugivorous Mammals