Endozoochory and Germination of Selected Ingested Seeds by Malayan Box Turtles (Cuoraamboinensis) from Laguna Province, Philippines

Abstract

experimentation data acquisition, data statistical the experiment and data data statistical ABSTRACT Aims: Malayan box turtles’ ( Cuora amboinensis ) ecological niche are essential in an ecosystem but are often overlooked. This study investigated the germination of selected seeds that in the study. Seed shadowing was also conducted to evaluate the turtle’s seed dispersal capacity (endozoochory). Results: Results showed that after gut passage, seed GR and %GR were enhanced on Lycopersicon esculentum, Carica papaya, Psidium guajava, and Muntingia calabura . However, Germination Rate and Percent Germination of Passiflora quadrangularis decreased after gut passage. Statistical analyses revealed that there is a significant difference in the GR and %G of M. calabura and %G of L. esculentum , and P. quadrangularis . Thread trailing method showed that C. amboinensis can disperse seeds at a distance of 24.8 to 52.8 meters. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the important role of C. amboinensis in the ecosystem through its contribution to plant seed germination and dispersal. It showed that Malayan box turtles are not only seed dispersal agents but are also important in the germination of seeds that they have ingested and defecated.