Abstract

ABSTRACT Hare pellets contribute greatly to the seed dispersal of a berry-producing shrub, Gaultheria miqueliana Takeda (Ericaceae), on Mount Koma, northern Japan. Numerous seeds of G. miqueliana germinated from the hare pellets (122.2 ± 7.3/pellet, mean ± SE), confirming that the pellets potentially had a role in the seed dispersal. Lab-experiments confirmed that the seeds of G. miqueliana needed light for full germination without cold stratification. Besides, hare pellets were collected from a post-mined peatland in Sarobetsu Mire, northern Japan, where G. miqueliana was not distributed but two berry-producing ericaceous species were distributed. No seeds germinated on the pellets collected from the Mire. These results suggested that the tight relationships between hare and berry-producing shrubs were species-specific.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.