Vulnerabilidad de los sistemas de polinización de cactáceas columnares de México

Abstract

An analysis of the degree of vulnerability of the pollination systems of Mexican columnar cacti showing a chiropterophylous pollination syndrome was conducted, assuming that specialized pollination interactions would be more vulnerable to human perturbations. The results indicate that the species inhabiting the northern distribution limit of the columnar cacti show generalized pollination systems whereas species inhabiting central Mexico showing specialized pollination interactions would be more vulnerable to perturbations. This contrasting geographic pattern might be related to the migratory movements of the nectar-feeding bats in the northern limit of distribution of the columnar cacti that restricted local specialization, whereas resident nectar-feeding bat populations in south-central Mexico probably favored local specialization.