Authors
Shinsuke Koike, Kahoko Tochigi, Koji Yamazaki
Publication date
2023/1/2
Journal
Journal of Forest Research
Volume
28
Issue
1
Pages
64-72
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Description
Previous studies have estimated distributions of seed dispersal distance by a variety of methods. But apart from direct observation, these methods cannot clarify the absolute numbers of seeds dispersed by each disperser. Without the ability to calculate absolute spreading volumes, each dispersers’ contribution cannot be quantitatively evaluated. To resolve this problem, we estimated and compared quantities and distances of seed dispersal by mammalian seed dispersers. We focused on the fruits of Cerasus leveilleana and five species of frugivorous mammals that forage on it, central Japan. We tracked wild individuals of each species and gut retention times of seeds in captive individuals. By observing wild C. leveilleana trees for 2 years, we calculated fruit production, visitation frequency, and numbers of fruits removed per visit by each species. The mammal species differed greatly in body size and foraging …
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