Abstract
To clarify feeding effects of the Orii’s flying-fox, Pteropus dasymallus inopinatus, on seed germination, germination experiments were conducted for 11 food plant species between February 2004 and April 2005. For Ficus microcarpa, the main food of the Orii’s flying-fox, the percentage of seeds germinated from ejecta pellets was significantly higher than those from intact fruits, although there was high variation among individual trees. The percentage of seeds germinated from fecal pellets was also higher than those from fruits, although it was not significant. For four of the other 10 food plant species, the percentages of seeds germination from ejecta pellets and fecal pellets were greater than those from fruits. For the remaining six species, percentages of germination consumed seeds, maintained at least, normal viability. Germination time of five of the 11 plant species differed significantly according to seed sources. These results suggest that the Orii’s flying-fox is an effective seed dispersal agent on Okinawa-jima Island.
