- Strangler Figs: These trees begin their life as epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) and eventually engulf and kill their host tree. However, they provide essential habitat and food for many rainforest species, including birds, monkeys, and insects.
- Leaf-Cutter Ants: Leaf-cutter ants are vital for nutrient recycling in the rainforest. They cut and carry leaves back to their colonies, where they use them to cultivate a fungus that serves as their main food source. Their activity helps aerate the soil and disperse seeds throughout the forest.
- Pollinating Bats: Many tropical rainforest plants rely on bats for pollination. These nocturnal creatures feed on fruits and nectar, while also inadvertently transferring pollen between different plants, thus promoting genetic diversity.
- Large Predators: Large predators such as jaguars and harpy eagles help control populations of herbivores and maintain the delicate balance of the food web. Their presence prevents any single herbivore species from overpopulating and disrupting the rainforest ecosystem.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with the roots of many rainforest plants, aiding in nutrient uptake. They facilitate the exchange of essential elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen between plants and the soil.
- Termites: Termites play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. They also create intricate underground networks that improve soil aeration and moisture retention.
- Large Herbivores: Species like elephants, tapirs, and peccaries are important seed dispersers in tropical rainforests. As they consume fruits, they carry the seeds through their digestive system and deposit them in different areas, contributing to plant diversity.
- Social Insects: Termites and ants are examples of social insects that engage in complex collective behavior. They construct intricate nests and colonies, which serve as habitats for numerous other species.
These keystone species are interconnected and their individual roles are essential for maintaining the health and stability of tropical rainforests. Their presence and well-being are crucial for ensuring the survival of numerous other plant and animal species in these biodiversity hotspots.