Squirrels reduce post-fire regeneration potential in serotinous pines

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ID: 320552
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Serotiny is a key trait for population persistence in fire-prone ecosystems, allowing species to accumulate an aerial seed bank until fire triggers seed release. However, serotinous cones also provide a food source for specialized pre-dispersal seed predators, potentially counteracting the benefits of serotiny. These predators may also exert selection pressures on cone traits that can further reduce the size of the canopy seed bank. Here, we evaluate the mechanisms by which seed predation reduces the size of the canopy seed bank and quantify the magnitude of these effects. Methods We sampled six sites dominated by mature Pinus halepensis forests, three with European red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris and three without. For each tree, we quantified cone production, determined the degree of serotiny, assessed seed predation (in squirrel-present populations), and characterized cones and seeds. This allowed us to estimate the size of the seed bank and the effects of seed predation on it. We also conducted a literature review for further validation. Key Results Our findings indicate that, in populations with squirrels, pre-dispersal seed predation reduces the canopy seed bank by approximately 65 %, not only through the ecological effect of cone removal, but also by exerting negative selection on serotiny and promoting increased seed defences. Conclusions Pre-dispersal seed predation may compromise the post-fire regeneration of serotinous species by reducing the canopy seed bank, which is particularly concerning in the context of increasing fire activity in the Mediterranean basin.
Reference Key
openalex_W4415657245 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Carmen Guiote, Eduardo T. Mezquida, Juli G. Pausas
Journal Annals of botany
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/aob/mcag200
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcag200
Keywords Keywords not found

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