New evidence for mammal pollination of Protea species (Proteaceae) based on remote-camera analysis

摘要: Flower visitation by small mammals is difficult to observe directly on account of their sensitivity human presence and the nocturnal activity some species. Their role in pollination has, thus, been inferred mostly from analysis fur faecal pollen loads field-trapped animals. The development motion-activated remote cameras allows for unprecedented insights into natural behaviours flowers. We used assess identity flower visitors, frequency timing heads four poorly studied Protea species (P. cordata, P. decurrens scabra subulifolia) that were predicted be rodent-pollinated basis floral traits. Camera footage revealed (typically three six rodent per species) frequent visitors over one flowering season, making up 100% visits cordata subulifolia, 98% decurrens, 90% scabra. Rodents are known pollinators other ground species, such as Acomys subspinosus, Micaelamys namaquensis Rhabdomys pumulio, observed make contact with reproductive parts flowers, but further work would required demonstrate unequivocally they main vectors these Mus minutoides was recorded first time frequently visit inflorescences subulifolia. Other included genets visited lick nectar off florets, birds relatively infrequent all Together recent literature, present study has shown utilisation studies provides an efficient, discreet method observing vertebrate flower-visiting behaviour.