Liesenfeld,M.V.A., Semir, J. & Santos, F.A.M. 2002. The effects from different sites of primary dispersal on Diospyros inconstans seeds’ fate. 45th Symposium of the International Association for Vegetation Science, p. 52.

Abstract: For most plants the immediate function of dispersal is the placement of seeds or propagules in vacant sites, where it could survive, germinate and grow. To verify the significance of fruit removal by frugivorous it’s essential both to comprehend the consequences from deposition site’s quality and to quantify the fate of dispersed and no dispersed seeds. This study aimed to disclose whether deposition of seeds of D. inconstans (Ebenaceae) swallowed and defecated by brown-howler-monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans – Atelidae) on young secondary forest conferred any advantage for germination and survival in comparison with the fate of seeds in other deposition sites: a) howler’s dung on sleeping sites; b) howler’s dung under mother-trees; and c) on fruits under mother-trees (1843 seeds; 1257 on fruits and 586 in dungs). Preliminary results reveal a relative small difference in total germination between seeds located under mother-trees and those dispersed to other sites. Otherwise, attacks by predators (58%) and fungal pathogens (28.4%) were higher in seeds on fruits under parents (p < 0.001). We conclude that howlers positively affect seeds’ survivorship by removing the fruit pulp, thus reducing fungal and/or insect damages. These data will contribute with conservation planes, giving support to restoration strategies using natural processes.