Wild mammals and birds in seepage marshes: Usage and behavior

Abstract

Seepage marshes, which are mainly distributed in the hilly areas of western Japan, are important habitats for endangered species. However, little is known of the functions of seepage marshes as habitats for wild mammals and birds or of the effects of animal behavior on the seepage marsh ecosystem. This paper provides basic data on the species composition, frequency of appearance, and behavior of wild mammals and birds in and around seepage marshes. From a total of 4,602 days of camera trap survey data collected from Tokai district, Japan, more than 13 species of mammals and 19 species of bird were recorded from seven investigated marshes. The species composition of mammals recorded in seepage marshes was almost the same as that in the surrounding forests, however, their frequency of appearance was generally lower in herbaceous marsh than in forested marsh. Wild boars, Sus scrofa, were the most abundant among mammals. Wild mammals and birds actively used seepage marshes for drinking, feeding, mud bathing, and water bathing. In particular, rooting by wild boars was frequently observed in almost all seepage marshes. Some mammals and birds discharged their excrement into the marshes. Although more detailed investigation is needed, these behaviors indicate that seepage marshes are important biotopes for wild mammals and birds, and that the ecosystem might be affected through vegetation disturbance and seed dispersal.