The Fig tree (genus, ficus) is considered a key stone species. What this means is that this type of tree is an integral part of the ecology where it is naturally found. If it goes, then the eco-system will be at risk and the balance will inevitably be affected. The Ficus group comprises several species and the most spectacular one would be the strangling fig. You'll easily spot a few in Tanarimba. One of which sits comfortably in the workshop compound along the main road into Tanarimba, about 2.5 km from the visitors centre.
The strangling fig normally begins life on other trees. Spread by birds and, squirrels or monkeys that eat the figs and drop them on the branches, they will eventually grow roots that 'crawl' downwards, interlacing its way down and practically strangle the host tree. Eventually, the host tree will die and rot away, leaving a cavity with only the inter-laced roots of the fig which would now have become a tree of its own with some interesting trunk designs (see pic).
The hornbills love the figs and the health of a forest is often represented by the number of fig tress found in the forest. Besides the hornbills, many other mammals and insects depend on the figs, hence it being a keystone species.
By the way, humans are NOT a key stone species.
The strangling fig normally begins life on other trees. Spread by birds and, squirrels or monkeys that eat the figs and drop them on the branches, they will eventually grow roots that 'crawl' downwards, interlacing its way down and practically strangle the host tree. Eventually, the host tree will die and rot away, leaving a cavity with only the inter-laced roots of the fig which would now have become a tree of its own with some interesting trunk designs (see pic).
The hornbills love the figs and the health of a forest is often represented by the number of fig tress found in the forest. Besides the hornbills, many other mammals and insects depend on the figs, hence it being a keystone species.
By the way, humans are NOT a key stone species.
