Effect of native and alien vertebrate frugivores on seed viability and germination patterns of Rubia fruticosa (Rubiaceae) in the eastern Canary Islands

摘要: Summary 1. This study shows the first results obtained concerning relative importance and effect on seeds of a particular plant species, Rubia fruticosa Ait. (Rubiaceae), passage through digestive tube three main groups vertebrate seed dispersers: native reptiles birds, alien mammals. 2. Native birds dispersed high proportion undamaged R. . 3. In contrast, defecated by two mammals showed significantly greater proportions damaged seeds. Seed viability was much higher for than mammals, which consistent with germination results. 4. Ingested had thinner coat uningested control Seeds that passed dispersers thicker those one (the squirrel). 5. Considering both quantitative qualitative components dispersal, we conclude are most important in this multidisperser system.