Better out than in: faecal matrix inhibits establishment success after waterfowl endozoochory.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Many plant species undergo long-distance dispersal through migratory waterbirds. However, there is little information about the effectiveness of this dispersal, especially regarding the chances of plant establishment and the impact of gut passage or the faecal matrix on plant germination, growth and reproductive investment in seeds.

Methods

In a greenhouse experiment, we addressed these questions using an annual mudflat species, Juncus bufonius (Juncaceae), and a perennial emergent aquatic species, Eleocharis palustris (Cyperaceae), whose seeds are dispersed by many waterbird species in Europe. We planted seeds directly in soil or within mallard faeces placed on soil, using both control seeds and seeds that survived gut passage through mallards. Over the

SUBMITTER: Jimenez-Martin I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12718015 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature