Rodents and baboons reduce seed cone production of Protea neriifolia

摘要: Abstract Rodents are important pollinators and seed predators of fynbos Proteaceae, but their role as florivores has received little attention. Chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) known to feed on Proteaceae inflorescences, however, effect plant reproduction not been quantified. We recorded the extent damage by rodents inflorescences dominant shrub, Protea neriifolia, in 20 × 20 m plots Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch. Damage was distributed patchily across landscape. damaged up 23% per plot feeding styles nectar. observed striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) climbing plants inflorescences. Up 14% some were destroyed gnawing through inflorescence stems. Baboons or 12% 29% at three study sites, did forage all remaining sites. Among individuals affected rodents, a mean proportion 0.49 ± 0.31 (SD) individuals' destroyed. Florivory can thus reduce fecundity P. neriifolia significantly. may be an seasonal food source for certain rodents. In evolutionary context, rodent florivory have selective force that caused species shift pollination. Further work is needed determine which whether widespread fynbos.