Frugivory and Seed predation of Jacaratia spinosa (Caricaceae) by Sumichrast’s Vesper Rat, Nyctomys sumichrasti (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Abstract

Animal-plant interactions are ubiquitous and critical for tropical ecosystem functioning. Neotropical rodents perform key ecosystem functions such as seed dispersal and predation, however few information is available regarding their ecological interactions. Here, we reported the interaction between the Sumichrast’s Vesper Rat, Nyctomys sumichrasti, and the plant Jacaratia spinosa in the Central Caribbean of Costa Rica. Rodents were observed feeding on the flesh and seeds of the plants. Natural history observations such as this are critical to the knowledge on the feeding links of poorly known Neotropical rodents.

Keywords

• animal-plant interaction
• costa rica
• veragua rainforest
• fleshy fruits
• neotropical rodents