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Dispersal of invasive Phytolacca americana seeds by birds in an urban garden in China
Author(s) -
LI Ning,
YANG Wen,
FANG Shubo,
LI Xinhai,
LIU Zhanchen,
LENG Xin,
AN Shuqing
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
integrative zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 1749-4877
DOI - 10.1111/1749-4877.12214
Subject(s) - biological dispersal , seed dispersal , frugivore , generalist and specialist species , biology , seedling , context (archaeology) , invasive species , ecology , introduced species , seed dispersal syndrome , habitat , botany , population , paleontology , demography , sociology
Abstract Although seed dispersal is a key process determining the regeneration and spread of invasive plant populations, few studies have explicitly addressed the link between dispersal vector behavior and seedling recruitment to gain insight into the invasion process within an urban garden context. We evaluated the role of bird vectors in the dispersal of pokeweed ( Phytolacca americana ), a North American herb that is invasive in urban gardens in China. Fruiting P. americana attracted both generalist and specialist bird species that fed on and dispersed its seeds. The generalist species Pycnonotus sinensis and Urocissa erythrorhyncha were the most frequent dispersers. Seedling numbers of P. americana were strongly associated with the perching behavior of frugivorous birds. If newly recruited bird species use seedling‐safe perching sites, the P. americana will regenerate faster, which would enhance its invasive potential. Based on our observations, we conclude that the 2 main bird vectors, P. sinensis and U. erythrorhyncha , provide potential effective dispersal agents for P. americana . Our results highlight the role of native birds in seed dispersal of invasive plants in urban gardens.