The reproductive ecology of tropical forest plants is unique in several respects. These plants typically occur in low densities. Pollination is almost exclusively by animals. Seed-dispersal in a vast majority of species involves a wide variety of birds and mammals as vectors. Seeds, before and after dispersal, suffer heavy mortality from animals and pathogens. Thus, a key to understanding the structure and dynamics of tropical forest ecosystems is adequate information about the nature of interactions between plants and their pollinators, seed dispersers and seed predators. Such information is also vital for resolving many issues related to regeneration, management and conservation of tropical forest resources. Much of the past work in reproductive ecology of tropical forest plants has been undertaken in central and south american forests and south-east Asian forests. These studies have shown important differences in the seasonality of reproduction as well as in the nature of plant-animal interactions, but, neither these differences nor their significance have been generally highlighted. It is therefore proposed to hold an international workshop to bring together researchers from different parts of the world for a comprehensive review of the subject. The workshop will explore advances in basic research and their application to the conservation and management of tropical forest resources. Funds are requested to support the travel of U.S. scientists to this workshop on the Reproductive Ecology of Tropical Forest Plants to be held at Bangi, Malaysia from 8 to 12 June, 1987. The workshop will be organized under the auspices of the Man and Biosphere (M A B) Program of UNESCO and the Decade of the Tropics Program of the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS),in collaboration with the Malaysian M A B National Committee. The M A B program of the UNESCO, IUBS and several other international agencies have already committed substantial financial support for the workshop. The funds received from NSF will enable U.S. participants to present their work, exchange ideas and information with their colleagues from other parts of the world and enable them to visit several field sites in Malaysia.
