Seed dispersal by Japanese marten Martes melampus in the subalpine shrubland of northern Japan

摘要: The functions of carnivorous mammals as seed dispersers were studied during a snow-free period 2 years in the subalpine shrubland northern Japan. Mammal appearances, which recorded using three automatic cameras, dominated by Japanese marten, Martes melampus (Wagner), followed carnivores (ermine, red fox, and raccoon dog) two other (field mouse hare). Fecal analysis revealed that martens dispersed seeds 11 species (eight woody herbaceous plants), included vine is an inhabitant lower elevation sites. Fruit weight size, flesh volume fleshy-fruited foraged significantly greater than those not foraged. These facts indicate marten plays key role relatively long-distance disperser for major component with large flesh-rich fruits shrubland.