Dispersal by birds of Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) in a riparian environment, Parana river basin, Brazil

Abstract

The dispersion of guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Brazilian natural ecosystems is a growing process and requires studies on its ecological dynamics. Thus, our goals were: a) to identify birds feeding on the fruits of Psidium guajava; b) evaluate the potential success of guava dispersal based in the main local bird foraging tactics. We performed 47 hours of focal observation of birds feeding in P. guajava and we recorded 11 bird species (Aratinga leucophthalma, A. aurea, Amazona aestiva, Melanerpes flavifrons, Pitangus sulphuratus, Cyclarhis gujanensis, Turdus leucomelas, Mimus saturninus, Tangara palmarum, T. sayaca and Euphonia chlorotica). The most representative bird guilds were omnivores (54.5%), followed by frugivores (27.3%) and insectivorous (18.2%). With the exception of parrots which eating behavior normally promote damage to the seed, the other species have behaviors that characterize them as potential guava dispersers. The birds observed explore forest environment and also open areas, which enhances dispersion of guava to many environments, altering the regional structure and composition of vegetation. As birds acting as dispersers of seeds of guava, the colonization of new areas by P. guajava is imminent. This species can dominate areas of environmental regeneration, becoming a damaging species to natural ecosystem processes.