Final report covering period July 1989-July 1993 : animal seed - dispersers as key elements for conservation of tropical forests -- a case study in the Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda

This study (7/89-7/93) explored the roles of approximately 20 primate and bird species in dispersing seeds for over 50 tree species in Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda. The study found that a large portion of the trees of the Nyungwe forest are dispersed by animals; all the tree species observed appear to be visited by several species of potential seed-dispersers. Several species of fruit eaters were identified as likely important seed dispersers, including: Blue and Mountain monkeys; chimpanzees and managabeys, the turaco species, understory bulbuls, canopy starlings, and Olive pigeons. Small understory birds may be particularly important in dispersing a wide variety of smaller fruited tree species. Differences in the movement patterns of different species suggest important differences in the consequences of plant dispersal. For example, one species of monkey, already rare in most of central Africa, appears to be an important agent for moving seeds from forests into clearings. The study resulted in the training of one Rwandan university student, the integration of study findings into forest management plans now being developed by Rwandan forestry officials, and the strengthening of efforts of a Rwandan research institute to expand conservation research.