2003 Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 19-30
The authors studied the likelihood that seeds were being dispersed by the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) in a deciduous forest near Ashikawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture. The forest was composed of 113 tree species. Japanese black bear ate fruits and seeds belonging to 37 species (including 7 unidentified). About 86.7 to 99.7% of seeds identified in 360 samples of bear feces were in good condition for 17 species (10 drupes, 5 berries, 1 multiple fruit of droplets and 1 pome). However, no intact seeds were found for 5 nut species. The germination rate of Yamasakura (Prunus jamasakura) seeds taken from feces was the same as for uneaten seeds. The results of this investigation suggest a high likelihood of seed dispersal by the Japanese black bear.
