Temporal partitioning of diurnal bird and nocturnal small mammal visitors to a winter flowering endemic succulent

Floral nectar is an important attractant and reward for visitors, often produced in synchrony with peak activity of pollinators. Aloe peglerae flowers winter, previous studies have shown that it pollinated primarily by diurnal generalist birds, small mammals making additional contributions to pollination at night. Nectar during the day main but rewards available are unknown. This paper investigates availability peglerae, because may be feeding on remaining, or freshly produced, over a 24-hour period was measured screened unscreened plants (n = ten per treatment), associated partitioning visits birds nocturnal assessed. constantly 24-hours, different quantities. volume (nectar availability) (standing crop) plants, significantly higher early morning after sunrise, compared all other sampling periods period. concentration did not vary averaging 11.5 ± 0.4% w/w (unscreened) across entire Peaks guilds occurred (i.e. mammals) when high. has daytime production, its primary pollinators most active, continual, albeit reduced, night attracts mammals. Mobile less-mobile mammals, both rely this resource dry cold South African winters and, turn, Critically Endangered species.