Efeitos da espécie exotica Elaeis quineensis jacq. (dendê) sobre a frugivoria em uma floresta estacional semidecidual

Abstract

The introduction of invasive exotic species can alter fundamental ecological processes (such as frugivory) and promote changes in forest regeneration dynamics. This study evaluated whether the presence of the exotic palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (oil palm) influences frugivory in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest of the Guaribas Biological Reserve, Paraíba. The experiment was conducted in two areas, one with the occurrence of oil palm and the other without the oil palm, using artificial fruits of red and orange colors, distributed among native plants. Light intensity was measured in each area. After seven days, the fruits consumed, intact or removed, were recorded, as well as the type of mark left by frugivores (birds, mammals, and invertebrates). The results indicated no significant differences in the consumption of fruits of the same color between the areas, as well as between fruits of different colors within each area. Light intensity also did not differ between the environments. Invertebrates were responsible for most of the recorded marks, surpassing birds and mammals in both areas. These results suggest that frugivory in the studied area occurs similarly regardless of the presence of oil palm, possibly due to the predominance of generalist frugivores and a simplified, defaunated landscape context. Although the presence of E. guineensis did not significantly alter frugivory in this study, its expansion may represent a potential risk to ecological interactions and the conservation of local biodiversity.