BugWise

Plastic container with a rectangular hole cut in one side. The opening should sit flush with the ground to allow easy entry by ants. Photo: J Gollan © Australian Museum.

In Australia, ants often take seeds to areas that can increase the likelihood of seedling germination. Natural recruitment of seedlings can be dependent upon the rate of seed dispersal. This method measures the activity of seed dispersers in an area.

What you will need

• Plastic containers with lids. The small plastic containers that are often used by take-away restaurants are ideal. Cut a rectangular hole (2 cm long x 1 cm high) in the side of the container. This hole allows the invertebrates to access the seeds and must be cut flush with or just above ground level.
• Seeds. Acacia seeds are suitable as they are usually large and easy to handle. They also have an elaiosome, which is a nutritional reward for seed dispersing ants. You can experiment with any species of seeds, however you should always use native seeds that are local to your area.
• Stopwatch.
• Pencils and data sheets for recording.

Method

• Describe your site.
• Randomly distribute plastic containers within the site.
• Before placing containers on the ground, be sure to remove any debris and litter as the container needs to sit flush to the ground and remain stable.
• Put a number of seeds in each container and place the lid on. Make sure you note the time you placed the seeds in the container.
• Return to the containers after a pre-determined time to record the number of seeds removed. The rate at which seeds are removed will vary depending on the type of seeds used. About two hours is sufficient for Acacia seeds.
• Record your methodology. For example, what seeds did you use, how many were used, and how long were the containers out for.

Tips

• Without disturbing the containers, watch the animals taking the seeds away. If you know what the animals are make a note of them or take photos of them in action.