Seed predation and germination of Acacia erioloba in the Kuiseb River Valley, Namib Desert

We investigated some interactions between mammalian herbivores, bruchid seed predators and seeds of Acacia erioloba E. Mey in the Kuiseb River Valley, Namib Desert. Predation by bruchid beetles was significantly lower in canopy-held pods than pods on the ground. Germination success was higher for ingested seed than in an untreated control and almost zero for predated seed. Acid and scarification treatments resulted in almost complete germination success. The study provides some support for a mutualistic relationship between mammalian herbivores and acacias, like A. erioloba, with indehiscent pods. Die interaksies tussen soogdierherbivore, saadparasiterende ‘bruchid’-kewers en saad van Acacia erioloba E. Mey. in die Kuisebriviervallei, Namibwoestyn is ondersoek. Die parasitering van saad deur ‘bruchid’-kewers was aansienlik laer waar die peule nie afgewerp was nie as by peule wat op die grond beland het. Ontkieming was hoër waar die peule deur die herbivore gevreet is en bykans nul by geparasiteerde saad. Suur- en skarifikasiebehandeling het tot ’n hoë persentasie ontkieming gelei. Die ondersoek lewer ’n mate van steun vir die gedagte van ’n mutualistiese verhouding tussen soogdierherbivore en akasias, met nie-oopspringende peule, soos A. erioloba.