Elephants as seed dispersal agents in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Kenya

Abstract

Seed disperal by elephant in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest was studied by examining their dung piles for seeds or fruit remains and from seedings that germinated from dung. Seeds were recovered from 64.5% of the elephant dung piles examined August 1996-October 1997.Seed for 42 plant species were identified. At least 52 plant species were observed to germinate naturally from elephant dung in the forest. Seedlings of 84 plant species germinated from irrigated elephant dung. This study showed that elephant are important seed dispersal agents in this ecosystem. The fact that seeds of cultivated plants were observed in the dung suggests that land use conflict with the local community is an inherent problem and will become more evident in any time.