Endozoochorous dispersal by herbivores and omnivores is mediated by germination conditions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is probably the main long distance dispersal mode. Through endozoochory, large mammals act as mobile links between habitats within and among forest patches. Along with other factors, their feeding regimes do affect their contribution as dispersal vectors. We conducted a cross-species comparative experiment involving two herbivores, red deer and roe deer; and two opportunistic omnivores, wild boar and brown bear, all occurring in the forest and steppe-forest ecotone habitats of the south-eastern Caspian region. We compared their role as endozoochorous seed dispersal agents by monitoring seedling emergence in their dungs under greenhouse and natural conditions.

Results

In total, 3078 seedlings, corresponding to 136 plant taxa sprou

SUBMITTER: Karimi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7457502 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature