Integration of invasive Opuntia spp. by native and alien seed dispersers in the Mediterranean area and the Canary Islands

摘要: The success of many alien plant species depends on mutualistic relationships with other species. We describe the assemblage seed dispersers three Opuntia invading Mediterranean and Macaronesian habitats, examine quality such plant-animal interactions. identified vertebrates consuming O. maxima, dillenii stricta fruits by direct observation collecting droppings pellets. Phenology species, as well that coexisting native was monitored for an entire year. Germination tests ingested non-ingested seeds were performed both in greenhouse field. Seed coat thickness viability also measured all treatments. A great variety taxa, including reptiles, birds mammals actively participate dispersal Opuntia. Menorca Tenerife overlaps only a few fleshy-fruited plants present study areas, which suggests advantage invader. Most germinated during second year experiment, independently effect produced dispersers’ guts. found variation germination percentage after gut passage effects ingestion thickness. somewhat reduced compared to manually depulped seeds. Our results show how different are integrated into communities means interactions, dispersers. Although heterogeneous effects, either type disperser potentially contributes spread these cacti recipient areas.