Title
Ruminant-mediated seed dispersal of an economically valuable tree in Indian dry forests
Author(s)
Prasad S., Krishnaswamy J., Chellam R., Goyal S.P.
Published
2006
Publisher
Biotropica
Abstract
Ruminant-mediated seed dispersal, an understudied process in tropical forests, was examined via Phyllanthus emblica-Axis axis interaction. A captive Axis deer regurgitated intact P. emblica seeds after retaining them in the rumen for 7-27 h. At Rajaji National Park, a considerable fraction (22%) of deer-regurgitated P. emblica seeds germinated, although lower than unconsumed seeds (72%). The size and strength of seeds like P. emblica might ensure that ruminants regurgitate them intact instead of defecating them. © 2006 The Author(s).
Keywords
germination; ruminant; seed dispersal; tropical forest; Asia; Eurasia; India; Rajaji National Park; South Asia; Uttaranchal; Bovidae; Cervidae; Cervus axis; Phyllanthus emblica
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PUB10835