Remoção dos frutos de Miconia albicans (SW.) triana (Melastomataceae) por formigas na borda e no interior de um fragmento de cerrado, Curvelo, MG

Abstract

Knowledge with regard to the Cerrado biota and the factors influencing species distribution is fundamental in a scenario in which antropic activities cause the destruction and fragmentation of this biome. This study performed in a cerrado fragment located in Curvelo (Minas Gerais), in southeastern Brazil. Our objective was to evaluate the edge effects on factors relating the reproductive biology of Miconia albicans, with special emphasis on the secondary seed dispersal by ants. The studied variables included: (i) composition of ants interacting with M. albicans fruits; (ii) fruit removal rate; (iii) kinds of ant-fruit interactions; (iv) dispersal distance; (v) fruit production; (vi) abundance and size of M. albicans. Nine species of ants interacted with M. albicans fruits. Fruit removal rate was 86% in the interior, and 58% and 58% along the edge of the fragment. Dispersal distance varied between 0,10-12 m, and there was no significant difference between the two environments (p = 0,24). There was no significant difference in fruit production between edge and interior (p = 0,15). M. albicans shrubs were significantly more abundant along the edge of the fragment (p = 5,088 x 10^-10), however, the individuals in the interior of the fragment were significantly larger. These results suggest that the edge does not affect fruit removal by ants, however, the apparent higher abundance of ants along the border of the fragment seem to prevent these plants to achieve large sizes.