The contribution of red fox and stone marten as seed dispersers in a Mediterranean mountain protected area is analysed. We gathered 332 scats and analysed seed content in presence and number. The eight species eaten in greater proportion were selected, three of them domesticated. Seed and plant remains are present in half of the scats found. Seed presence is distributed almost equally in summer (29%), autumn (34%) and winter (37%). The most dispersed wild species are Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, Rhamnus alaternus and Amelanchier ovalis in a lower proportion. Red fox exploits more domesticated species, which presence in the Natural Park is lower. On the contrary, stone marten consumes more J. phoenicea and A. ovalis than red fox, but shows a certain preference for Prunus avium subsp. avium. Both carnivores might have a relevant role on long distance seed dispersal for R. alaternus, which is normally dispersed by birds and ants. The different exploiting rate among the plant species found compared with their presence in the area leads to think that there exist preferences in these carnivores' feeding habits. Factors as the percentage of relative pulp weight and smell of the fruits and the habitat of the plant species could be related. Further research is needed to actually know the importance of endozoochorous seed dispersal by carnivores and determine patterns in time and preferences. Keywords: dispersal, fleshy fruit, stone marten, seed, red fox ResumenSe analiza la contribución del zorro y la garduña como dispersores de semillas en un área protegida en un ecosistema mediterráneo de montaña. Se recolectaron 332 excrementos y se analizó el contenido de semillas en presencia y número. Se seleccionaron las ocho especies consumidas en mayor proporción, tres de ellas domésticas. Semillas y material vegetal están presentes en la mitad de los excrementos. La presencia de semillas se distribuye de forma equilibrada entre el verano (29%), el otoño (34%) y el invierno (37%). Las especies más dispersadas son Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, Rhamnus alaternus y Amelanchier ovalis en menor proporción. El zorro explota más especies domésticas, cuya presencia en el Parque Natural es menor. Por el contrario, la garduña consume más J. phoenicea y A. ovalis que el zorro, pero muestra cierta preferencia por Prunus avium subsp. avium. Ambos carnívoros podrían tener un papel relevante en la dispersión a larga distancia de R. alaternus, que normalmente es dispersado por aves y hormigas. La diferente tasa de consumo entre las especies encontradas, comparada con su presencia en el área, conduce a pensar que existen preferencias en los hábitos alimentarios de estos carnívoros. Factores como el porcentaje relativo de peso de la pulpa y el aroma de los frutos, y el hábitat de las especies

The effect of the road CV-797 on the vertebrate community of Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park (north of Alicante) during the period 2000-2008 was studied, analysing environmental variables associated with the road and its surroundings, and their relation with the registered roadkills through a multivariate analysis. The distribution of total roadkills is centred on watercourses and four black spots with different composition, which don’t differ much compared to the three found for mammals. The worst affected group are reptiles, while mammal casualties are scarce. Although relationships with environmental variables are species-specific, reptile casualties are associated with areas that are more exposed to solar radiation. Among the birds, the clearest relation is the one between the common sparrow (Passer domesticus) and urban areas, while the rest of the species are roadkilled at their common habitats. Amphibian roadkill is concentrated on two species, thus the relative impact is greater. The small number of mammal casualties does not allow conclusions to be drawn for these species except for the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) where roadkill was associated with open areas and crops. It is proposed to continue with sampling so as to better understand the factors which influence roadkills.

The contribution of red fox and stone marten as seed dispersers in a Mediterranean mountain protected area is analysed. We gathered 332 scats and analysed seed content in presence and number. The eight species eaten in greater proportion were selected, three of them domesticated. Seed and plant remains are present in half of the scats found. Seed presence is distributed almost equally in summer (29%), autumn (34%) and winter (37%). The most dispersed wild species are Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea, Rhamnus alaternus and Amelanchier ovalis in a lower proportion. Red fox exploits more domesticated species, which presence in the Natural Park is lower. On the contrary, stone marten consumes more J. phoenicea and A. ovalis than red fox, but shows a certain preference for Prunus avium subsp. avium. Both carnivores might have a relevant role on long distance seed dispersal for R. alaternus, which is normally dispersed by birds and ants. The different exploiting rate among the plant species found compared with their presence in the area leads to think that there exist preferences in these carnivores’ feeding habits. Factors as the percentage of relative pulp weight and smell of the fruits and the habitat of the plant species could be related. Further research is needed to actually know the importance of endozoochorous seed dispersal by carnivores and determine patterns in time and preferences.