Faunal input at host plants: Can camel thorn trees use nutrients imported by resident sociable weavers?. Issue 20 (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prayag, Kervin D.; du Toit, Carla J.; Cramer, Michael D.; Thomson, Robert L.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 10:Issue 20(2020)
• Page Start: 11643
• Page End: 11656
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: Arid zone ecology -- avian nutrient deposition -- ecophysiology -- ecosystem engineers -- habitat heterogeneity -- nutrient cycling -- plant–animal interactions; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6798
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: "Islands of fertility" result from the focussing of water and nutrients around many shrub or tree species due to plants foraging for resources. Plant–animal feedbacks may amplify the development of such islands through environmental modification due to, for example, faunal deposition of nutrients and seeds. Fauna residing within vegetation clumps are likely to exert stronger feedbacks on their hosts than itinerant species. We studied the interaction between camel thorn trees ( Vachellia erioloba ) and the colonial nests of sociable weavers ( Philetairus socius ) in the Kalahari. We hypothesized that the accumulation of biological material below the nests will alter the nutrient status of the soil beneath the nest trees, in relation to unoccupied trees and the surrounding grassland. We also suggested that this association will have both positive and negative effects on the camel thorn trees. We found that soil concentrations of N, P, and K were, respectively, 4, 4.6, and 1.2 times higher below trees with nests compared to control trees, indicating faunal concentration of nutrients. Soil δ 15 N values were higher below trees with nests than below control trees without nests. Foliar δ 15 N values were also higher in nest trees than in control trees, showing the trees accessed faunally derived N. Furthermore, foliar biomass per diameter of terminal branches was 27% higher in nest trees, suggesting that trees respond to nutrient input from the weavers with increased growth. Large barren areas in the subcanopy vegetation directly beneath the colonies were attributed to decreased water infiltration rates, as a result of accumulation of organic matter due to continuous deposition of feces, possibly limiting competitive species from establishing in the subcanopy. On the other hand, canopy volume was reduced in trees with nests due to nests occupying large volumes within the canopy, and nests frequently causing branch fall, indicating costs associated with hosting weaver colonies. Synthesis: We found nutritional benefits to camel thorn trees when hosting sociable weaver colonies. These benefits can potentially overcome important environmental constraints, but these are partially offset by the resulting costs to the host trees. Abstract : The interaction between camel thorn trees and sociable weavers in the Kalahari was investigated. Do the camel thorn trees benefit from the nutrient input by the weavers in return for hosting them in their large canopies? We found that the camel thorns do make use of the faunal nutrient input, but that these benefits do not come without costs.