Bird‐mediated endozoochory as a potential dispersal mechanism of bony fishes

• DOI: 10.1111/ecog.07124
• Publication Date: 2024-03-29T13:09:08Z
• Authors: Ádám Lovas‐Kiss; László Antal; Attila Mozsár; Krisztián Nyeste; Dóra Somogyi; Balázs Kiss; Richárd Tóth; Flórián Tóth; Dorottya Lilla Fa...; Zoltán Vitál; Béla Halasi‐Kovács; Pál Tóth; Nándor Szabó; Viktor Löki; Orsolya Vincze; Balázs András Lukács
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 0301 basic medicine

The dispersal of fish into distant and isolated habitats remains a topic continuous discussion in the field biogeography. This is particularly relevant due to perceived limitation movement what known as active dispersal. Fish migration often confined interconnected water bodies, underscoring significance for inhabiting aquatic habitats. However, empirical evidence natural (i.e. not human‐mediated) mechanism has been limited. Here we explore provide waterbird‐mediated endozoochory possible various species families. We force‐fed mallards Anas plathyrynchos with fertilised eggs nine bony species, covering taxonomic recovered viable embryos five taxa faeces mallard, proving ability survive passing digestive system waterbirds. Moreover, successfully hatched larvae two species. Taking flight speed numerosity mallards, well high abundance eggs, our results highlight by waterbirds significant, although likely rare that can occur across more than previously freshwater fish.