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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 104(4)

Seed dispersal by Pacific Pigeons (Ducula pacifica) in Tonga, Western Polynesia

Kim R. McConkey A D , Hayley J. Meehan A C and Donald R. Drake B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.

B Botany Department, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.

C Present address: ERMA New Zealand, PO Box 131, Wellington, New Zealand.

D Corresponding author. Present address: A. V. Ramarao Research Foundation, 7-102/54 Sai Enclave, Habshiguda, Hyderabad 500007, India. Email: kimm@sancharnet.in

Emu 104(4) 369-376 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU03060
Submitted: 17 December 2003  Accepted: 14 September 2004   Published: 16 December 2004

Abstract

Owing to extensive prehistoric extinctions of large frugivores, Pacific Pigeons (Ducula pacifica) are thought to be one of the most important seed dispersers of large-seeded plants in Tonga, yet little is known about their interactions with their food plants. We reviewed their known food plants and recorded defaecations, regurgitations, and movement patterns of this species over 11 months in Tonga. The fruit of at least 38 native plant species and the leaf buds of one species are eaten by Pacific Pigeons in Tonga. Most defaecations and all regurgitations contained a single seed of a single species. Pigeons usually regurgitated seeds larger than 20 mm in diameter whereas smaller seeds were typically defaecated. On the basis of observed movement patterns in Tonga and retention times for Ducula, most seeds are probably dispersed away from fruiting trees (85% of regurgitated seeds, 99% of defaecated seeds), but within 50 m of the crown. Distances of more than 100 km are theoretically possible for defaecated seeds, although pigeon behaviour is likely to limit this maximum. Results from this study suggest Pacific Pigeons are excellent seed dispersers in Tonga.


Acknowledgments

We thank Filipe Tonga, Leigh Bull, Rachel McClellan, Nic Gorman, Nola Parsons, Siaila Fonua, Richard and Ana, Pat and Keith McKee, Tavake Tonga, Tevita Mose, Claudia and Lofia Matavalea from the Tongan Wildlife Centre and three anonymous reviewers, for help with logistics, data collection and discussions. For research permits we thank the Government of Tonga. This research was funded by grants and scholarships provided by The School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington; The Explorers Club, New York; Stratex Networks, Wellington; and the Hutt Valley Women’s Federation.


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