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Fruit Color Preference of Frugivorous Birds in an Agroecosystem in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines

Authors :
Navel Kyla B. Balasa
Jirriza O. Roquero
Asraf K. Lidasan
Lothy F. Casim
Angelo Rellama Agduma
Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo
Source :
Birds, Vol 4, Iss 2, Pp 190-201 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

The removal of fruit is a consequence of plant–animal interactions, and is a vital step in the natural regeneration cycle of plant populations. This research aimed to determine the effect of fruit color and local landscape on plant–bird interactions in an agroecosystem in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines. We set out 1500 artificial fruit models in ten sampling locations within an agroecosystem. We measured the difference in the proportion of predated/removed (%) fruit models and the risk between sites, fruit color, and predators. Approximately a quarter (24.53%) of the artificial fruit models deployed were predated, and the proportion of predation was significantly higher in the red fruit models (mean = 18.74 ± 9.84) compared to the green fruit models (mean = 11.67 ± 6.17). Birds were the most dominant predators compared to mammals and arthropods, and contributed to at least 60% of the predation of red fruits. Our findings are consistent with previous evidence showing birds’ preferences for darker fruit colors. Although landscape variables did not significantly affect fruit predation, tree cover may help increase these interactions. Overall, our study showed that agroecosystems can still support species of frugivorous birds, as indicated by high fruit predation rates, particularly by birds that can permeate different layers of the agroecosystem. Our findings demonstrate an important implication for habitat quality management within agroecosystems. Enriching agroecosystems with pioneer trees with dark-colored fleshy fruits is a sustainable greening strategy that would benefit frugivores and producers in this system.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26736004
Volume :
4
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Birds
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5aba900167aa4da497e7e800a06b01b3
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020016