Endozoochorous seed dispersal of plant species in semi-steppe rangelands

During last two decades studies on endozoochorous seed dispersal indicated that a large numbers of plant seeds are potentially dispersed and suceefully germinated via animal dung. However, very little is known about the relative importance of endozoochory in germination success of plant species in semi-steppe rangelands. In this paper we examined dung germinating seed content, seed deposition patterns of different domestic animals (Cattle, Sheep and goat), ecological correlate with seed traits (Seed weight, length, width and shape) and the possible correlate of dung seed content characteristics with vegetation in a simulated feeding experiment. 39 native plant species were fed to domestic animals and their germination successes were recorded in a simulated glasshouse experiment.

Keywords:

endozoochory , morphological characteristics , germination indices , animal treatments