University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Peter Kittenberger
(2021):
Samentransfer durch Kleinsäuger im Urwald Rothwald.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Wildbiologie und Jagdwirtschaft (IWJ),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 60.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- As potential seed predators, small mammals make an important contribution to the dispersal of plant species and their seeds in forest ecosystems. To determine the dispersal direction and dispersal distance of seeds by small mammals, seeds must be tagged and offered to potential predators. The aim of the study was to investigate, whether the chosen tagging-methods and dish-placement sites had an influence on the mammals´ behavior and in which direction they preferred to disperse their prey. In the primeval forest Rothwald beech seeds were offered on experimental dishes within six different locations inside a gap, at the edge of the gap and at the stock around the gap. Two different tagging-methods were used: 1) radio-transmitters were fixed on beechnuts with solvent-free joint adhesive, 2) plastic flags on wire threads were attached to beech seeds. Per experimental dish (in total 18 dishes) ten tagged and ten unmarked beechnuts were offered. Data collection took place from the beginning of October to mid-November where experimental dishes were observed regularly, and transport events were documented. The tagging method and the dish placement had no influence on the acceptance behavior of seeds by small mammals, but a difference in the first dispersal distance after exposure was detected, depending on the seed-tagging method and the dish placement. Beechnuts from experimental dishes inside the gap and beech seeds tagged with radio-transmitters showed a significant higher distance for the first transport event. In addition, a significant difference in the first dispersal distance after exposure was found between the data from 2019 and 2020. In 2019 tagged seeds were mainly transported from the edge of the gap into the middle of gap whereas in 2020 they were mainly transferred from the edge of the gap into the dense forest.
- Beurteilende*r: Nopp-Mayr Ursula
- 1.Mitwirkender: Gratzer Georg
- 2.Mitwirkender: Sachser Frederik