Seed dispersal by birds on artificial perches in reclaimed areas after surface coal mining in Siderópolis municipality, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract

The Coal Basin of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, has approximately six thousand hectares of degraded areas due to the exploitation of mineral coal. Nowadays, several areas are under reclaim process, which includes soil recovery and reintroduction of vegetation. In the study area, located in Siderópolis municipality, Santa Catarina state, vegetation reintroduction was carried out with several grass and arboreal pioneer species. In an area of one hectare, 12 artificial perches with collectors were placed. For one year period, seeds were recovered in the collectors and visual observation of the birds that rested on the perches was carried out. A total of 23 species of seeds were recovered. More seeds of pioneer and early secondary species were significantly dispersed when compared to late successional categories. Four pioneer and early secondary species produced seeds during long periods, mainly in the months were food resources are scarce. No statistically significant difference was found between the distance from the seed source and the number of species or the number of seeds recorded. Fourteen bird species used the artificial perches, with four being considered potential dispersers due to their food habits and to their frequency of visits to the perches. Results indicate a high efficiency of the artificial perches on the arrival of seeds of the initial successional species and highlighted the importance of seed sources close to degraded areas, as well as the presence of generalist birds to assure the seed dispersal for long distances.