The effects of scatter-hoarding rodents on Mongolian oak ( Quercus mongolica) acorn dispersal and seedling distribution in urban woodland.

Scatter-hoarding by animals is an effective mechanism for seed dispersal and plant regeneration in natural ecosystems, however, studies on the interaction between hoarding animals and urban forest are insufficient. By methods of acorn placement experiment, cache and seedling survey, the relationship between acorn dispersal and seedlings distribution of Mongolian oak ( Quercus mongolica) and scatter hoarding rodents was investigated at the Northeast Forestry University Woodland of Harbin, China. Results indicated that main scatter hoarding rodents of acorns were squirrels ( Sciurus vulgaris) and chipmunks ( Eutamias sibiricus). Mongolian oak seedlings were distributed primarily in Mongolian Scotch pine, birch and larch parcels ( df = 3, χ = 1502.77, P < 0.01). Most seedlings were 4 ~ 6 years ( df = 3, χ = 408.23, P < 0.01) and mainly dispersed within range of 100 m from the parent trees. The activity frequency and cache habitats of squirrels coincided with the distribution pattern of Mongolian oak seedlings, which meant scatter hoarding rodents had important effects on acorn dispersal and seedling establishment of urban Mongolian oaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]