An Experimental Evaluation of the Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus) as a Seed Disperser

Abstract

Arctic foxes are evaluated as seed dispersal vectors for Greenlandic plant species through a feeding experiment with subsequent scat analysis and germination test. Seeds of 22 common species with different morphology were tested. Passage time ranged between 4 and 48 h. No significant differences were detected in passage time for seeds with different morphology. Cerastium alpinum and Stellaria longipes had higher germination after passage through the fox's digestive tract when compared to controls. Sibbaldia procumbens, Oxyria digyna, and Silene acaulis were favored by passage when shorter than 10 h. Salix glauca ssp. callicarpaea, Veronica alpina, Gnaphalium norvegicum, Papaver radicatum, Ranunculus hyperboreus, Chamaenerion latifolium, Luzula parviflora, and bulbils of Polygonum viviparum and Saxifraga cernua were inhibited by passage, whereas the remaining species had germination percentage too low to allow for evaluation. Species with adaptations to wind dispersal seemed particularly vulnerable to gut passage. Arctic foxes are able to provide long-distance dispersal of seeds lacking morphological adaptations to dispersal, but for most species seeds need to be defecated within 12 h to remain viable.

Enhancement of local species richness in tundra by seed dispersal through guts of muskox and barnacle goose

“…In the study area, it was restricted to the mid-slopes of the Zackenberg and Aucellabjerg mountains. No knowledge is available on the potential for plant propagule dispersal through the guts of the vertebrate species in focus, apart from the experimental demonstration that Arctic foxes let seed pass in a viable state once they have been ingested (Graae et al 2004). Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence from related species suggests at least some endozoochorous potential for all four species (Ridley 1930;Turbek 1964;Traveset 1998;Clausen et al 2002).…”

“…The virtual absence of plant propagules from scats of the Arctic fox was surprising. This species is known to eat Xeshy fruits in the autumn, and it has been shown experimentally that propagules of many plant species may survive gut passage (Graae et al 2004). Moreover, seeds of a number of plant species have been found in Arctic fox scats in the Scandes Mountains (HH Bruun, unpublished data).…”

Animal’s Functional Role in the Landscape

“…Arctic foxes ( Alopex lagopus ), for example, have been reported to travel at least 10 km per day. Much longer distances are likely, however (Graae et al 2004 ). Distribution patterns of endozoochoric plants may be more 'regular' than those of epizoochoric plants, when, for example, seedlings emerge from regularly used latrines or richly-manured sites on alpine pastures.…”

Prey cortisol affects the usefulness of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration as an indicator of stress in a carnivore

“…The mean passage time for seeds in Arctic foxes has been estimated to be between 16.2 and 25.5 hours (Graae et al 2004). Caged…”