Complementing endozoochorous seed dispersal patterns by donkeys and goats in a semi-natural island ecosystem

Abstract

BackgroundEndozoochory is, in grazing systems, a substantial vector for seed dispersal. It can play an important role in vegetation dynamics, especially in colonization processes through seed input on the vegetation and on the soil seed bank. We investigated the endozoochorous seed input of donkeys and goats on a semi-natural island ecosystem in the Mediterranean. Through germination experiments, we assessed the viable seed content of the dung of these grazing animals to estimate their suitability and efficiency for seed dispersal of the vegetation types of the island.ResultsWe show different dispersal patterns of donkeys and goats. Goats disperse a high number of diaspores from shrubs while donkeys disperse more diaspores of grasses. In addition, goats disperse plants of greater growth height and donkeys plants of shorter height. These dispersal patterns are in accordance with the vegetation types of which donkeys and goats disperse indicator species. Both, donkeys and goats, feed on and disperse species of the vegetation types, open grassland and temporarily wet grassland. In addition, goats feed on and disperse diagnostic species of the semi-open maquis and preforest formations.ConclusionsOverall, our results show that donkeys and goats are complementing each other in their endozoochorous seed dispersal potential. This emphasizes the importance of both grazing animals for the vegetation dynamics of the semi-natural island ecosystem. Therefore, the adaption of the goat management to a traditional land management based on directed transhumance might maintain and enrich vegetation types.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12898-017-0148-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Analysis of genetic diversity and spatial structure in Tunisian populations ofHordeum marinumssp.marinumbased on molecular markers

“…On the other hand, the higher within-population variability observed could be explained by migration of individuals across H. marinum populations, which could occur via seed dispersal by grazing animals and human activity. Treitler et al (2017) showed that donkeys and goats feed on and disperse species of the temporarily wet grassland, such as H. marinum, by endozoochory. In Tunisia, donkeys and goats have been moved widely around Tunisia since historic times.…”

“…Treitler et al . (2017) showed that donkeys and goats feed on and disperse species of the temporarily wet grassland, such as H. marinum , by endozoochory. In Tunisia, donkeys and goats have been moved widely around Tunisia since historic times.…”

Plants on the Move: Hitch-Hiking With Ungulates Distributes Diaspores Across Landscapes

“…et al, 2013), though one study mentioned up to 13 ungulates in South Africa (Milton and Dean, 2001). Second, most of the studies involved wild ungulates; and domestic ungulates were mentioned more rarely (Mitlacher et al, 2002;Cosyns et al, 2005;Mouissie et al, 2005b;Benthien et al, 2016;and Treitler et al, 2017, Table 3).…”

Leaves and Fruits Preparations of Pistacia lentiscus L.: A Review on the Ethnopharmacological Uses and Implications in Inflammation and Infection

“…PlL represents one of the most typical shrubs in the Mediterranean maquis (shrubland) of Europe, Morocco, Turkey, Iraq and Iran [ 17 ]. In Italy, it is characteristic of the sensitive ecosystem, like that of Sardinia [ 18 ], where it grows along the coast up to 700 m above sea level.…”

“…One of the oldest dates back to the Nuragic civilization (1800 to 238 BCE) and was ascribed to the Sardinian population: the oil obtained by cold-pressing the berries was widely used for social purposes, i.e., home or votive lighting lamps, cooking, as well as as a popular remedy [ 17 ]. This habit is attested to by the presence of residues of “olium lentiscinum” often found during archaeological excavations in “torcularia” (ancient oil mills) [ 18 ].…”