Evaluación de perchas artificiales como método para la dispersión de semillas en zonas degradadas por incendios forestales en el Área Protegida Comunitaria Tambillo

Abstract

The present research evaluated the use of artificial perches as a complementary tool to traditional reforestation strategies in areas affected by fires in the Tambillo Community Protected Area. Three specific objectives were set: analyze the impact of perches on seed dispersal, evaluate the influence of perch height on bird attraction and seed dispersal, and finally characterize the morphotypes of seeds deposited in the traps. As an experimental design, a Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used, considering two distances as a block: the distance close to the forest or BC and the middle distance to the forest or BM. In addition, four treatments were established that consisted of the height of perches (T1= no perch; T2= 1 m; T3= 1.5 m; T4= 2 m) and traps were installed to collect seeds, which were the experimental units. The results showed that perches had a partial favorable effect on bird-mediated seed dispersal compared to areas without perches. Perch height did not influence seed dispersal. In total, 965 seeds were obtained, classified into 18 morphotypes in 14 of the 30 perch traps. 58% of the seeds were found at a close distance to the forest, while 42% at a medium distance. In conclusion, the effectiveness of artificial perches requires a longer research time than established in this study, so in the future the attendance and deposition of seeds by birds under these devices could increase. However, it is important to combine them with other restoration techniques, such as: direct seeding methods or assisted natural restoration. Practical application may vary depending on the local context and ecosystem dynamics, highlighting the need to evaluate its effectiveness in different environmental conditions.