Shifting from seed predator to seed disperser in the Picazuro Pigeon: Insights from an urbanized area

ABSTRACT

Frugivory supports seed dispersal and the reproductive success of various plants. Environmental degradation can lead to the local extinction of medium and large frugivores, jeopardizing this process. The picazuro pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro), typically associated with open and semi-open areas in Brazil, was mainly considered granivorous until the late 20th century but is now recognized as a frugivore or granivore-frugivore. In this study, we assessed its frugivorous diet and role as a seed disperser by collecting seeds from fecal samples on the Unicamp campus and analyzing the condition of the seeds after passing through the digestive tract of P. picazuro. We found 42 plant species in its feces, including Cordia myxa, Solanum americanum, Solanum granuloso-leprosum, and Cytharexyllum myrianthum. While Solanum americanum and Solanum granuloso-leprosum had germination rates of 63% and 28%, respectively, Cordia myxa and Cytharexyllum myrianthum did not germinate. Thus, P. picazuro plays a relevant ecological role as an occasional frugivore in semi-open and anthropized environments in southeastern and southern Brazil.