Frugivore carnivores: preferences and contribution to seed dispersal of red fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and stone marten Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) in Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park (Alicante, Spain)

Abstract

The contribution of red fox and stone marten as seed dispersers in a Mediterranean mountain protected area is analysed. We gathered 332 scats and analysed seed content in presence and number. The eight species eaten in greater proportion were selected, three of them domesticated. Seed and plant remains are present in half of the scats found. Seed presence is distributed almost equally in summer (29%), autumn (34%) and winter (37%). The most dispersed wild species are Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, Rhamnus alaternus and Amelanchier ovalis in a lower proportion. Red fox exploits more domesticated species, which presence in the Natural Park is lower. On the contrary, stone marten consumes more J. phoenicea and A. ovalis than red fox, but shows a certain preference for Prunus avium subsp. avium. Both carnivores might have a relevant role on long distance seed dispersal for R. alaternus, which is normally dispersed by birds and ants. The different exploiting rate among the plant species found compared with their presence in the area leads to think that there exist preferences in these carnivores’ feeding habits. Factors as the percentage of relative pulp weight and smell of the fruits and the habitat of the plant species could be related. Further research is needed to actually know the importance of endozoochorous seed dispersal by carnivores and determine patterns in time and preferences.