Suppression of fruit production of the endemic forest tree, elaeocarpus dentatus, by introduced marsupial brushtail possums, trichosurus vulpecula

Abstract

Fruit production by the endemic hardwood tree Elaeocarpus dentatus (hinau) was measured during 1981–88 on two study areas about 3 km apart in the Orongorongo Valley, Wellington, using collecting funnels and trays placed under the crowns of the trees. Fruit production differed significantly between study areas, years and individual trees. Buds, flowers, and fruits of hinau were browsed by the introduced marsupial brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. When possums were eradicated from one of the study areas hinau fruit production increased significantly. As possums recolonised the study area over the next 2–3 years, fruit production declined to former levels. Such effects of possums on fruit production of native trees and shrubs are likely to have serious consequences for native bird populations, and forest dynamics. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.