Native and exotic seed dispersal by the stone marten (Martes foina Erxleben, 1777): implications for the regeneration of a relict climactic forest in central Portugal (original) (raw)

2018, Integrative zoology

The stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes fleshy fruits, thus potentially promoting seed dispersion. This study was developed in Bussaco National Forest, central Portugal, and aimed to assess the potential role of the stone marten in dispersing native and exotic plants in different forest landscapes types. Seeds from stone marten scats and fleshy fruits were collected monthly and were thereafter identified and sowed in a nursery, following a randomized experimental setup. Plant emergence was monitored fortnightly. Generalized Linear Models were used to test for differences in time and success of emergence between seeds from scats and fruits of three native species (Rubus ulmifolius, Arbutus unedo, Celtis australis) and one exotic plant species with invasive behaviour (Prunus laurocerasus). Fruit consumption by the stone marten significantly increased and accelerated the germination of the native R. ulmifolius but had no effect on the...

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