Seed dispersal of matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia) by feral pigs (Sus scrofa).

摘要: Introduced feral pigs (Sus scrofa) include native fruit and seed in their diet, thus may act as dispersers if seeds are passed intact. The aim of this study was to determine whether consume, subsequently disperse, intact the New Zealand tree matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia). Two captive were fed 100 ripe faeces checked for 4 days. Fourteen (14%) recovered 57% these germinated under glasshouse conditions, comparable with germination from hand-cleaned seeds. We collected 3.5 kg pig matai-dominated forest Isolated Hill Reserve, southern Marlborough. This sample contained over 450 seeds; readily glasshouse, reaching 68% after 22 months. These results indicate that consuming passing some viable out acting occasional dispersers.