Seed predation and dispersal by peccaries throughout the neotropics and its consequences: a review and synthesis.

Abstract

A review of literature on seed predation and dispersal by collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) and white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) throughout the Neotropics, is provided. A synthesis of the results of 143 studies published between 1836 and 2003 is presented. The ecological implication of seed predation and dispersal by both peccary species, taking into consideration their interactions with 212 plant species are discussed. The different mechanisms of seed dispersal are summarized, and examined whether peccaries play a key role among frugivores by creating a bimodal rather than a typical leptokurtic seed shadow.