Sporormiella as a proxy for non-mammalian herbivores in island ecosystems

摘要: Abstract Spores of the dung-fungi Sporormiella are routinely used as a proxy for past megaherbivore biomass and to pinpoint timing extinctions. Further ecological insight can also be gained into impacts that followed initial human arrival in region through correlation spore abundance with other proxies (e.g. pollen, charcoal). Currently, use palaeoecological has been restricted landmasses where large-herbivore guilds dominated by mammals. Here, we New Zealand case study show method applied effectively islands large avian herbivores. We examine 44 dung samples from 7 localities spores were widely distributed endemic herbivores (South Island takahe ( Porphyrio hochstetteri ), kakapo Strigops habroptilus several species extinct moa, identified ancient DNA analysis). In addition, forest soil core Murchison Mountains, South Island, accurately trace post-settlement decline native herbivores, combined high-resolution radiocarbon dating reveal severely reduced local herbivore populations late 17th Century AD. The subsequent spread Red deer Cervus elaphus ) introduced area early 20th Our results suggest may provide useful new tool examining extinctions on numerous terrestrial birds or reptiles. findings highlight need consider entire communities (including reptiles) when Late Pleistocene continental records, focus often tracing