Waterfowl grazing in autumn enhances spring seedling recruitment of intertidal Zostera noltii |
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Authors: | Andreas M Zipperle James A Coyer Wytze T Stam |
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Institution: | a Department of Marine Benthic Ecology & Evolution, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, Biological Centre, Kerklaan 30, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands b Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt, 25992 List, Germany |
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Abstract: | Feeding pits dug by waterfowl in Zostera noltii meadows are thought to promote seedling recruitment by accumulating seeds and enhancing germination. We tested the latter hypothesis by creating a series of “treatment pits” (resembling natural feeding pits) in the center and at the edge of two meadows near the Island of Sylt (Germany). Seedling density was monitored from the autumn seed set until the following spring. Seedling density (mean, SE) in treatment pits was significantly higher (4.4, 5.3) than in manipulated (2.4, 1.9) and unmanipulated controls (1.4, 0.4), as well as significantly higher in center (2.8, 0.5) relative to edge (2.5, 1.1) locations. Results confirm a facilitating effect of waterfowl grazing on seedling recruitment in spring due to seed accumulation in feeding pits in autumn. The mechanism could provide a valuable tool for the conservation of intertidal Z. noltii meadows in the Wadden Sea. |
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Keywords: | Zostera noltii Waterfowl grazing Seedling recruitment Seagrass Seed accumulation |
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