Final report, October 1992-August 1995 : maintaining frugivore populations -- implications for conservation of tropical forests

Researchers first quantified the relationship between seedling recruitment of a number of tropical tree species and the behavior of frugivores and seed predators. They then determined, on the basis of 1,261 hours of observation, which diurnal frugivores fed on fruit from these tree species; quantified each frugivore"s activity; and examined experimentally the fate of dispersed and non-dispersed seeds and seedlings. Results suggested that a tradeoff exists between factors that promote seedling growth in areas with high seedling density and factors that promote dispersal by frugivores. Three further studies were conducted to apply these results. The first study identified the loss in tree biodiversity that might result from subsistence hunting and commercial hunting, which have affected large tracks of forest but left physical structures relatively unaltered. The second study illustrated that logged areas of Kibale National Park were not regenerating at the rate predicted by forestry models and quantified which regenerative processes had been altered by the logging. The third study, aimed at helping to predict how forests might regenerate after specific types of degradation and at finding avenues to increase biodiversity, evaluated the value of pine and cypress plantations as a means of permitting indigenous trees to become established on derelict tropical land. The researchers also established long-term monitoring programs to contribute to the management of Kibale National Park after the USAID project is over.