Seed dispersal of Attalea phalerata (Palmae) by Crested caracaras (Caracaraplancus) in the Pantanal and a review of frugivory by raptors

We observed Crested caracaras (Caracara plancus) consuming and dispersing fruits of the palm Attaleaphalerata at Pantanal, Brazil. We reviewed the literature of seed dispersal by raptors and suggest that raptors may affectseed dispersal by three different paths: secondary seed dispersal by preying on frugivorous birds, primary seed dispersal ofornithocoric fruits and primary seed dispersal of large, lipid-rich fruits. The latter path may be an important long-distanceseed dispersal mechanism for large seeds.

Mauro Galetti and Paulo R. Guimaraes Jr, Ararajuba 12 (2):133-135