The role of seabirds and seals in the survival of coastal plants: lessons from New Zealand Lepidium (Brassicaceae)

摘要: Six of the eight indigenous New Zealand Lepidium species are coastal, and have restricted or reduced distributions. One is extinct remainder considered threatened with extinction. This limited distribution in marked contrast to their apparent abundance eighteenth early nineteenth centuries (1760s–1830s). Accounts from voyages Cook, Surville d'Urville describe L. oleraceum as an abundant coastal plant which was collected extensively for use antiscorbutic. However, by late 19th century, resident botanists were expressing concern about decline Lepidium, a has continued present. Ecologically, similar, being open sites often close high tide mark. They commonly associated bird colonies, occasionally fur seal colonies. Traditionally been attributed introduced herbivores. wild grazing animals not common until end well after initial had occurred. Other possible reasons include herbivory predation rats, fungal invertebrate pests cultivated Brassicaceae, overcollecting development. we suggest that major factor seabirds through seals culling. Seabirds critical survival keeping disturbance, dispersing seed, providing nutrient enrichment growth, loss resulted habitat Lepidium.