Endozoochory by pampas fox, Lycalopex gymnocercus, (Carnivora: Canidae) and germination of tala, Celtis ehrenbergiana (Rosales: Cannabaceae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v12i1.2615Keywords:
seed, dispersion, viability, germination, feces, ArgentinaAbstract
Introduction: It has been observed that foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) consume fruits of “tala” (Celtis ehrenbergiana), a native species of Córdoba, Argentina. This does not necessarily mean that there is a mutualistic relationship, because the seeds can suffer damage in the digestive tract. Objetive: a) To know if the seeds suffer physical damage in the digestive tract, b) To know if this passage affects the viability, germination power, and beginning and germination rate, and c) To know if the viability and germination power change after the seeds have long remained inside the feces. Methods: We compared the variables under study between fruit seeds, seeds in fresh feces, and seeds in six year old feces. Results: 100% of seeds from feces were healthy; but germination start was faster from seeds extracted from feces. Conclusion: Foxes can disperse C. ehrenbergiana seeds and accelerate their germination, which retain their viability even after long periods in the feces.
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