Frugivory of carnivora in central and southern parts of japan analyzed by literature search

Abstract

To investigate frugivory by Carnivora, literature on the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) ,Japanese marten (Martes melampus) ,and Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) was analyzed in terms of fruit utilization. Species of frequently-eaten fruits were different among these three species; bears and raccoon dogs showed conspicuous use of fleshy fruits of tall trees and vines, whereas martens depended more on fleshy fruits of shrubs and vines. Bears fed also on dry fruits of tall trees such as acorns of Fagaceae species. These differences among animals probably reflect specific climbing ability. In addition, bears used lipid-rich fruits compared with other animals, probably due to hibernation during winter. All carnivores are considered dispersal agents of fleshy-fruited plants because they use some fleshy fruits.