Siluetas de rapaces interfieren en la diseminación de bellotas por roedores

Abstract

The relationship between rodents and oak trees can have different outcomes depending on the behaviour of the rodents and the characteristics of the seeds. The range of outcomes is bounded by predation and mutualism. In this study we propose a new factor, the presence of rodent predators, as an element of variation. We used four rodent species and six oak species to test their interactions. In semi-wild conditions we placed several specimens of each rodent species with four trees, two with the presence of silhouettes and imitations of raptors and two free of reptiles. Under the trees we placed acorns of six oak species and tested their mobilisation by the rodents. The main objective is to find out whether the silhouettes deter rodents from activity under these canopies. We found significant differences between the activity of two rodent species under each type of canopy. These two species participate in the transport, dispersal and storage of acorns by collaborating in the dissemination process because they also conserve the embryo during partial consumption of acorns. Common vole does not participate in the process of acorn dissemination because it does not normally consume acorns, but it may be changing its feeding habits and habitats.