Potential seed predators in an abandoned agricultural area in northern Thailand

ABSTRACT: One limitation of forest restoration by direct seeding in degraded areas is seed predation by animals foraging on the ground. Seeds sown on the ground can be removed or destroyed leading to loss of germination ability. Knowing small mammals and bird species and evaluating their roles relating to seed predation are beneficial for forest restoration plans. This study aims to examine small mammal and bird species that are active on the ground in an abandoned agricultural area, where seeds were sown on the ground for direct seeding. Camera traps were installed for seven months in a 500 m2 abandoned agricultural land, which was 70 m away from the nearest natural forest. Seeds of five species were placed in the area to create seed availability in the direct seeding practice. The cameras were relocated randomly every week within the direct seeding plot. During seven months of camera trapping, 15 animal species were detected. Two of the species were categorized as seed predators (Mus sp. and Turnix suscitator), while the 13 remaining species were categorized as non—seed predators. The species with the highest frequency of visiting the area was Mus sp. Their visits peaked right after the time of seed sowing. The study emphasizes the need of quantifying seed loss due to animals and evaluating the risk of seed predation in a degraded area before using direct seeding for forest restoration.