The Contribution of Endozoochory to the Colonization and Vegetation Composition of Recently Formed Sand Coastal Dunes

Dellafiore, C. M.; Gallego-Fernández, J. B.; Vallés, S. Muñoz

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/74090

International Journal of Ecology

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Research Letter | Open Access

Volume 2007 | Article ID 074090 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/74090

The Contribution of Endozoochory to the Colonization and Vegetation Composition of Recently Formed Sand Coastal Dunes

C. M. Dellafiore,¹J. B. Gallego-Fernández,¹and S. Muñoz Vallés¹

Academic Editor: R. C. Sihag

Received05 Aug 2007

Accepted22 Oct 2007

Published12 Nov 2007

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether endozoochory contributes to the dispersal and colonization of plant species in recently formed coastal dunes. At least 5.7% of species present in the study area are being dispersed by wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.). Most dispersed species are perennial herbs with small seeds size. The continuous input of seeds through rabbit feces into newly created areas would ensure the constant arrival of seeds and would facilitate colonization. Therefore, endozoochorous dispersal may play a relevant role for the structure and composition of dune plant communities.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2007 C. M. Dellafiore et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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