Abstract
To clarify the influence of micro-topography on patterns of acorn dispersal by wood mice, we performed an acorn dispersal experiment using acorns containing magnets and a magnetic locator in the lower and crest areas of a slope in a lucidophyllous forest established on a steep slope. Most acorns were dispersed further down the slope from their installed locations, remaining within approximately 4 and 14 m of the lower and crest area of the slope, respectively. The lower slope was characterized as having numerous exposed rocks and formed a valley which is likely to have further limited the downward movement of acorns. These results showed that acorn dispersal by wood mice is generally limited by slope gradient. Further, acorn dispersal to the lower parts of the slope and the other side of the valley was limited by the valley itself. Conversely, several acorns were dispersed up the slope, indicating the important role of wood mice for acorn dispersal, even though the overall proportion of acorns dispersed this way in a single year is likely to be low.
