Downhill seed dispersal by temperate mammals: a potential threat to plant escape from global warming

• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51376-6
• Publication Date: 2019-10-17T11:30:47Z
• Authors: Shoji Naoe; Ichiro Tayasu; Yoichiro Sakai; Takashi Masaki; Kazuki Kobayashi; Akiko Nakajima; Yoshikazu Sato; Koji Yamazaki; Hiroki Kiyokawa; Shinsuke Koike
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; Altitude; Actinidia; Feeding Behavior; Forests; 15. Life on land; Raccoon Dogs; Global Warming; 01 natural sciences; Article; Macaca fuscata; Feces; Japan; 13. Climate action; Fruit; Seed Dispersal; Seeds; Mustelidae; Animals; Seasons; Ursidae

Abstract Vertical seed dispersal, i.e. dispersal towards a higher or lower altitude, is considered critical process for plant escape from climate change. However, studies exploring vertical are scarce, and thus, its direction, frequency, mechanisms little known. In the temperate zone, evaluating of animal-dispersed plants fruiting in autumn and/or winter essential considering dominance such forests. We hypothesized that their seeds dispersed altitudes because downhill movement frugivorous animals following autumn-to-winter phenology food which proceeds mountain tops to foot zone. evaluated autumn-fruiting wild kiwi, Actinidia arguta , by mammals. collected mammal faeces Kanto Mountains central Japan estimated distance using oxygen isotope ratios seeds. found intensive kiwi all dispersers, except raccoon dog (bear: mean −393.1 m; marten: −245.3 macaque: −98.5 dog: +4.5 m). Mammals with larger home ranges longer mountains. Furthermore, we produced at were greater Altitudinal gradients other characteristics, surface areas more attractive human crops compared altitudes, drivers via animal movement. Strong mammals suggests populations may not be able sufficiently current global warming