Ecosystem services provided by birds: Special reference to pollination and seed dispersal by birds

DOI Web Site 104 References
  • KITAMURA Shumpei
    Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Bioresources and Environmental Sciences, Ishikawa Prefectural University

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 鳥類による生態系サービス：特に花粉媒介と種子散布に着目して
  • チョウルイ ニ ヨル セイタイケイ サービス : トクニ カフン バイカイ ト シュシ サンプ ニ チャクモク シテ

Search this article

Abstract

Birds provide various ecosystem services in various ecosystems around the world. In this review, I summarize our current knowledge of pollination and seed dispersal by birds. Gene flow in natural plant populations is determined by pollen and seed flow. Birds can be important pollinators and seed dispersal agents by visiting flowers or fruits. By using natural experiments, recent studies have revealed: that loss of avian pollinators leads to reduced regeneration of plants; and that birds are important seed dispersal agents facilitating the regeneration of degraded patches of forest. Studies focusing on the economic value of avian pollination or seed dispersal services are, as yet, uncommon. However, a recent study on the seed dispersal service performed by the Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius in the Stockholm National Urban Park, Sweden, showed that depending upon the seeding or planting technique chosen, the substitute cost per pair of jays in the park is ¥0.58 million and ¥2.52 million, respectively. Because birds also effectively disperse invasive plant species, they also provide ecosystem disservices in some instances. Further research to better understand the roles of birds in plant pollination and seed dispersal will enable better policy implementation relating to the pragmatic use of avian ecosystem services and the conservation of birds as well as biodiversity.

Journal

References(104)*help

See more

Related Projects

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top