Seed Dispersal by a Generalized Herbivore: Rabbits as Dispersal Vectors in a Semiarid California Vernal Pool Landscape

Abstract

The possible role of rabbits as seed dispersal agents was investigated in a chaparral-coastal sage scrub landscape containing vernal pools (small temporary wetlands) in coastal San Diego County, California. Rabbit pellets were collected from the pools and placed in temperature-controlled chambers to determine their content of germinable seeds. Seeds of 18 species germinated, 10 of which occur primarily or exclusively in or near vernal pools. Although the germinable seed content of pellets is low, ca. 87 germinable seeds per 1000 pellets, the long-term and large-scale impact of rabbit dispersal may be important to species that lack dispersal-enhancing traits. We conclude that dispersal by rabbits may influence the distribution and long-term dynamics of these species.