Reproductive phenology, seed dispersal and seed predation in Syagrus romanzoffiana in a highly fragmented landscape

The aim of this study was to evaluate Syagrus romanzoffiana (Arecaceae) (1) reproductive phenology, (2) seed dispersal and (3) seed predation in a highly fragmented landscape. Over a 24-month period, we recorded flowering and fruiting events, proportions of fallen fruit infested by insects, as well as seed dispersal and seed predation by squirrels. Overall flowering and fruiting intensities varied among months; flowering being significantly greater in January and March 2008, and fruiting in April June and August September 2008. There were no differences between the first and second years in the flowering and fruiting percentages, flowering and fruiting duration, their peaks or synchrony. The squirrels spent same amounts of time dispersing and eating the seeds. Additionally, there were no statistical differences among the fragments in the numbers of squirrel visits, seeds dispersed or eaten by squirrels, or in the time spent by squirrels on eating or dispersing the seeds. Seed predation rates by insects or percentage of fruits with eggs were not influenced by fruit density, size or weight. Syagrus romanzoffiana can be characterized as a robust secondary species, recommended for restoration programs in fragmented landscapes.