Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 77 (3): 501-508, 2004
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Camelid defecation influences vegetation development and species richnesss on glacial
moraines, Tierra del Fuego
The few studies of herbivore-plant interaction in severe environments have concluded that
the herbivores have a minor role on the process of colonization in the early states of the succession. This paper describes the effects
of camelid (Lamma guanicoe) dung heaps on vegetation patterns on a recent glacial moraine. Floristic composition,
diversity, abundance and dispersion syndrome spectra of the vegetation growing on dung heaps was compared with that of control
sites unaffected by camelid defecation. Soil parameters of both substrates were analyzed. Vascular species riches and diversity were
significantly higher on dung heaps. Anemochory was the dominant dispersion syndrome on both substrate types. Dung heaps had
higher levels of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus, suggesting more favorable substrate conditions. Thus, dung heaps appear to
offer favorable sites for seedling establishment in an otherwise resource-poor environment, and their role as seed sources could
accelerate the process of colonisation of glacial moraines.
Key words:
dung heaps, dispersion
syndrome, Lamma guanicoe, primary succession
