Rodent suppression of seedling establishment in tropical pasture

Grasses are recognized as a critical regeneration barrier in tropical pastures, yet the effects of rodents and rodent–grass interactions not well understood. As selective foragers, could shape tree communities, moderating biodiversity regenerating landscapes. We utilized fully crossed two-way factorial design to examine effect that grasses, rodents, their interaction had on seedling establishment pasture habitat. followed two separate cohorts for 1 year each within experimental framework. Multiple were used better represent successional species variation responses. Trees characterized by gradient seed masses pioneer or persistent type. Both cohort seedlings altered when present compared control treatments. In Cohort 1, adversely affected only absence grass. 2, decimated presence both cohorts, established grass treatments, while strongly suppressed. Tree mass positively correlated with across all treatments except no grass–rodent Strong suppression (Sigmodon toltecus) is novel result land recently released from agriculture. One implication foraging large-seeded may be facilitated removal Another temporary rodent pastures permit higher deep-forest species.