This looks interesting -
Rainforest Restoration And Seed Dispersal
Role of Vertebrate Seed Dispersers in the Maintenance of Tropical Forests
http://www.ioe.ucla.edu/Ctr/research/seed_dispersal.htmThese long-term studies examine the role of birds and primates as seed dispersers in the maintenance of tree diversity in West African and Neotropical rainforests. In West Africa, we are using data gathered at a remote field station (maintained by CTR and ECOFAC) in the Dja Reserve, (a UN designated Biosphere Reserve and West Africa' s largest). CTR members have learned that just two species of Hornbills disperse the seeds of over 25% of the more than 300 tree species found in the reserve. Given the alarming population declines of other seed dispersers, particularly primates and elephant, this work is of enormous importance to conservation planning.
In Ecuador, we are studying the Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) northwestern Chocó rainforests and Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) in the Amazon basin. Both species are key dispersers of seeds within their home ranges, yet the role each plays in regeneration of degraded habitat and maintenance of primary forests are poorly known. These projects employ radio telemetry and detailed phenological data to quantify the basic biology of these little-known yet charismatic and ecologically vital species. Additionally, rainforest restoration projects using an experimental approach to restoration are currently being developed in Ecuador in conjunction with local and international NGOs. CTR is also developing proposals to expand this work to include comparative research in Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Central African Republic, and Gabon.
http://www.ioe.ucla.edu/Ctr/mission.htmThe unifying goal of the senior scientists, graduate students, and staff of the Center for Tropical Research (CTR) is to understand the biotic processes that underlie and maintain the diversity of life worldwide, especially of the tropics, and to use this knowledge to address global environmental challenges. In collaboration with a network of prominent scientists from a diversity of disciplines and backgrounds, we are conducting research in many critical areas, including: the processes important in generating diversity in rainforests; the relationship between ecology and disease, connectivity and conservation of migratory birds, and rainforest restoration in human-dominated landscapes. CTR projects employ novel applications and use the latest technologies, ranging from satellite imagery to molecular genetics. CTR provides important training opportunities for young scientists and decision-makers from many countries in the regions of Central America, South America, Austral-Asia and Africa where we are conducting research projects.
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