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Seed dispersal and habitat preference of the endangered Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus L.) and larger goose species in the Hortobágy National Park
136-147Views:149Several studies found that waterfowl are important endozoochorous dispersal vectors for plant species. Germination of the seed content of their droppings provides valuable information on their diet and also on their role in seed dispersal. Our aim was to analyse the seed dispersal potential of the critically endangered habitat-specialist Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) in their autumn and spring staging areas in Hortobágy National Park. The study was supported by the LIFE10-NAT/GR/000638 project. We also studied the seed dispersal potential of larger generalist goose species foraging in the same areas, such as Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons Scopoli) and Greylag Goose (Anser anser L.). We asked the following questions: (i) Which habitat types are the most frequently used by Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species? (ii) Is the different habitat preference of Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species reflected in the seed content of their droppings? (iii) Are there seasonal differences between the seed content of spring and autumn droppings? We identified the most frequently used feeding habitats. We collected 40 droppings of Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species per site in April and October 2012, in total we collected 720 droppings per species. Droppings were concentrated and spread on trays filled with sterilised potting soil. Samples were germinated in a greenhouse from April to November 2013. In total we germinated 21 plant species from the goose droppings, which suggests that goose species play an important role in seed dispersal. We found that Lesser White-fronted Goose dispersed more species typical to alkali habitats, and fewer weeds compared to larger goose species. Lesser White-fronted Goose and larger goose species used a wide range of feeding habitats, thus, they play an important role in dispersing seeds between habitats along a moisture gradient. Total species number and species number of plant functional groups were higher in autumn droppings. Seed content of the droppings suggests that Lesser White-fronted Goose is confined to natural habitats, thus for the effective protection of this critically endangered species it is crucial to preserve its natural feeding habitats.
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Temperature and soil moisture regimes of the forested and non-forested dolines of the Bükk Mountains based on ecological indicator values
331-338Views:98In the study we aimed to investigate whether there are differences in the ecological conditions of the forested and non-forested dolines of the Bükk Mountains (northern Hungary). Transects for sampling the herb layer were established across three forested and three non-forested dolines in a north to south direction, traversing the deepest point of the dolines. Presence-absence data of each vascular herb and tree sapling were recorded in the plots. Borhidi’s indicator values for temperature (TB) and soil moisture (WB) were used to compare the ecological conditions along the slopes. Our results showed that there were remarkable differences between the temperature and moisture regimes of the forested and non-forested dolines. Both the temperature and moisture gradients were more pronounced along the slopes of the non-forested dolines than along the forested ones. These are due to the fact that forest cover together with the features of the regional climate of the area has a considerable mitigating effect both on the air temperature and soil moisture regimes of dolines.