Resumen

SERIO-SILVA, Juan Carlos  y  RICO-GRAY, Victor. Influence of microclimate at different canopy heights on the germination of ficus (urostigma) seeds dispersed by mexican howler monkeys (alouatta palliata mexicana). INCI [online]. 2002, vol.27, n.4, pp.186-190. ISSN 0378-1844.

A variety of microclimatic factors influence the success of seed germination in the strangler figs Ficus perforata and F. lundelli consumed by howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana) in southern Veracruz, Mexico. Seed germination was compared at two canopy heights in two different study sites: disturbed (Playa Escondida; 40ha) and preserved (Carolino Anaya Reserve, Coatzacoalcos; 600ha). Germination varied depending on canopy height where the seeds were placed, and the quality (degree of conservation) of the habitat (preserved or disturbed). There was an evident between-habitat variation in humidity, light intensity, and temperature in the host trees for hemiepiphytic Ficus, which may affect the percent of germination response. The results show higher germination at the highest canopy location for seeds of both species. Germination was significantly higher in the preserved site for seeds from feaces vs. seeds from fruits source. The latter is probably the effect on seed germination of the higher relative humidity and low light and temperature levels in the preserved site.

Palabras clave : Ficus ; Germination ; Alouatta palliata mexicana ; Disturbed Habitat ; Preserved Habitat .