Seed dispersal of Vitex glabrata and Prunus ceylanica by Civets (Viverridae) in Pakke Tiger Reserve, north-east India: spatial patterns and post-dispersal seed fates

摘要: Civets are considered potentially important seed dispersers in tropical forests of Asia, but relatively little is known about spatial patterns dispersal and post-dispersal fates civet-dispersed seeds. We explored these aspects civet for two tree species Vitex glabrata (Lamiaceae), also as smooth chaste Prunus ceylanica (Rosaceae), Pakke Tiger Reserve, a forest reserve north-east India. has five viverrids: small Indian (Viverricula indica), large (Viverra zibetha), common palm (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), masked (Paguma larvata) the binturong (Arctictis binturong). For both species, civets group dispersed seeds (100% scats that we found) within 50 meters from fruiting trees deposited onto multiple substrates including branches, floor, fallen logs. However, distribution among differed species: while most V. (> 90%) were canopy branches logs, majority P. 70%) on floor. logs experienced higher predation than especially when local densities (number 1m 2 area around scat scat) high. Further, viability was significantly lower (~35%) floor (~65%). neither far nor to sites where either low or high survival, suggesting legitimate dispersers, they not effective.