Abstract
Mammalian feces are digestive residuals that come out through the anal in the form of materials that is partially or completely digested. Mammals have the potential to disperse seeds and regenerate forests through feces. However, quantitative studies on the potential of various species of mammals need to be done to clarify such a role. We collected mammalian feces through field surveys in forest habitat, forest edges and along the riverbank at Solok Selatan, West Sumatra. Seed viability test was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Greenhouse of the Department of Biology, Andalas University. We successfully collected 31 piles from eight species of mammals belonging to three orders and six families. Seeds of four plant species were found in 63% of mammalian feces, all of which are from the Viverridae family (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Arctogalidia trivirgata, Arctictis binturong). The piles were more often (80.6%) found at the forest edge than at riverside and forests. Seed viability tests showed that all seeds failed to germinate. The results of this study indicate that Viverridae has the potential for seed dispersal but viability test does not support the role of mammals for forest regeneration through germination.
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