Local extinction of an important seed disperser does not modify the spatial distribution of the endemic palm Astrocaryum aculeatissimum (Schott) Burret (Arecaceae)

Despite the local extinction of its primary seed disperser, the red-rumped agouti, the spatial distribution of the endemic palm Astrocaryum aculeatissimum remains unaffected in Tijuca National Park, Brazil. The study, conducted in a 1.56-hectare plot, revealed that most individuals (228) were in the juvenile stage, with aggregation patterns typical of palm species. Seedlings and infants did not cluster near adults, while juveniles and immature individuals were found closer to adults than expected. Dispersal distances for seedlings (mean ± sd = 11.8 ± 7.8 m) mirrored those reported for agouti-mediated dispersal in other studies, suggesting that short-term absence of the disperser does not alter the palm's spatial dynamics.

Zucaratto, R., & Pires, A. d. S. (2015). Local extinction of an important seed disperser does not modify the spatial distribution of the endemic palm Astrocaryum aculeatissimum (Schott) Burret (Arecaceae). Acta Botanica Brasilica, 29(2), 244–250. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-33062015abb0008