Are giraffes pollinators or flower predators of Acacia nigrescens in Kruger National Park, South Africa?

P.A. Fleming; S.D. Hofmeyr; S.W. Nicolson; J.T. du Toit

doi:10.1017/S0266467405003123

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Are giraffes pollinators or flower predators of Acacia nigrescens in Kruger National Park, South Africa?

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Are giraffes pollinators or flower predators of Acacia nigrescens in Kruger National Park, South Africa?

P.A. Fleming, S.D. Hofmeyr, S.W. Nicolson and J.T. du Toit

Journal of Tropical Ecology, Vol.22(03), pp.247-253

2006

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266467405003123

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Abstract

We examined the relationship between giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) and Acacia nigrescens in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to determine whether these tall ungulates may be providing a pollination service for the trees, or are simply flower predators. We quantified florivory and subsequent fruit set in the presence and absence of giraffes. Acacia nigrescens flowers are clearly a substantial dietary component for giraffes. Although A. nigrescens flowers contain almost three times as much condensed tannin as leaves, giraffes consume large quantities of flowers (∼85% of flowers within reach), resulting in distinct browse lines on the trees. This substantial florivory is detrimental to the overall fecundity of A. nigrescens, with significantly reduced fruit set at heights on trees that are accessible to giraffes. Fruit set increased above the reach of giraffes, suggesting successful pollination by insects. Giraffes were effectively flower predators of A. nigrescens in the season we examined.

Details

Title: Are giraffes pollinators or flower predators of Acacia nigrescens in Kruger National Park, South Africa?
Authors/Creators: P.A. Fleming (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
S.D. Hofmeyr (Author/Creator) - University of Pretoria
S.W. Nicolson (Author/Creator) - University of Pretoria
J.T. du Toit (Author/Creator) - University of Pretoria
Publication Details: Journal of Tropical Ecology, Vol.22(03), pp.247-253
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Identifiers: 991005540199807891
Copyright: © 2006 Cambridge University Press.
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.64 Phylogenetics & Genomics; 3.64.612 Pollination
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology