On the Nature of Keystone Species: A response to: Khanina. 1998. 'Determining Keystone Species'

Abstract

"There is an unfortunate tendency to nominate large and conspicuous creatures as likely keystone species playing pivotal roles in ecosystems. Particular favorites in the tropics include fig trees (Ficus spp.), large apes, and colorful birds, but such claims are rarely supported by empirical evidence. Khanina (1998) follows this trend, suggesting that 'only trees can be considered as keystone species of forest communities (detritus ecosystems).'"