Spotted Genet (Genetta genetta) - are also frugivorous
and may contribute to seed dispersal of C. tricoccon,
studies have clearly revealed the superiority of the
endemic lizards in this role. The genets, like many
other mammals, defecate in latrines, which are located
in sites unsuitable for germination, like caves. This also
leads to clumping of the seeds, which has negative
impacts on germination and survival.
Lizard pollinators are also threatened by introduced
invertebrates and plant species. On Mauritius, the
endemic Blue-tailed Day Gecko (Phelsuma cepediana)
visits flowers of 12 plant species, and is the main
visitor of three. It is considered vital to the reproduc-
tion of endemic, endangered plant species, including
Trochetia blackburniana and Roussea simplex, of which
it is the sole pollinator. But the introduced European
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) also visits 10 of the same
plant species visited by P. cepediana, posing a threat
through competition for shared resources. Research-
ers have also observed honeybees acting aggressively
towards P. cepediana when feeding on Pandanus
barklyi.
Additionally, both the pollination and seed dispersal
services P. cepediana performs when foraging on the
critically-endangered R. simplex are threatened by the
invasive ant Technomyrmex albipes. This extremely
aggressive species will attack P. cepediana (or any
other animal) within their vicinity. Moreover,
T. albipes further excludes P. cepediana from accessing
flowers by building galleries of dirt around nectar, and
disrupts gecko seed dispersal by tending honeydew-
producing mealybugs on R. simplex fruits. Seed set of
ant-infested flowers has been proven to be vastly
impaired, and very few seeds are ingested and
dispersed by geckos if fruits have ants on them,
creating dire implications for the conservation of
R. simplex.
Sometimes, conservation of the interactions between
lizards and the flowering plants they visit requires the
removal of exotic plants. The conservation of native
plants – even those that are not endangered – may also
be important in providing appropriate habitat. Not
only has P. cepediana been found to be more common
where exotic plants have been removed, but it is also
reliant on patches of Pandanus palm for habitat and
shelter. Studies have found that visitation rates of
P. cepediana to endemic Mauritian plants significantly
decreased with distance from Pandanus patches,
leading to reduced reproductive success of the plants
concerned.