Mesopredator frugivory has no effect on seed viability and emergence under experimental conditions

Members of the order Carnivora are a unique and important seed disperser who consume deposit undamaged seeds while providing regular long-distance dispersal opportunities. Some members Carnivora, such as coyotes (Canis latrans), undergoing range expansions which may help plant species they colonize new locations or replace services provided by recently extirpated species. In this study, we evaluated aspects effectiveness gut passage time to determine potential distances for three commonly consumed occurring (Amelanchier alnifolia, Celtis ehrenbergiana, Juniperus osteosperma). We also investigated effects secondary away from scats comparing seedling emergence whole those where were first removed scats. found that generally took between 4 24 h pass through digestive tract coyotes, could result in up 7 km. Gut had no effect on viability any species, including A. alnifolia J. osteosperma does not cold stratification breaking physiological dormancy. By simulating dispersal, 22% (±8.2%) more C. ehrenbergiana seedlings emerged when d earlier (±5 d) compared remained coyote scat. Coyotes effective dispersers, with opportunities aid climate migration serve mutualists.