Effect of Ingestion ABR: Racemosa , Two Frugivorous Bat Species On The Seed Germination Of Ficus ABR: (Moraceae), F. Hispida

Frugivorous bats are important seed dispersers for many plant species (Cox et al . 1991, Fleming & Heithaus 1981, Hodgkison et al . 2003a, McConkey & Drake 2006, Nyhagen et al . 2005, Utzurrum 1995). They regularly consume figs in the wild (Fujita & Tuttle 1991, Kalko et al . 1996, Shilton et al . 1999). Various species of pteropodid bats have been reported foraging on the fruits of more than 30 fig species in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and Australia (Bhat 1994, Fujita & Tuttle 1991, Marshall & McWilliam 1982, Thomas 1984). Food transit times in frugivorous bats are relatively rapid; generally less than 30 min (Laska 1990, Tedman & Hall 1985). Several studies have demonstrated that seed germination was either enhanced or unaffected after passage through the digestive tract of bats (Figueiredo & Perin 1995, Fleming & Heithaus 1981, Lieberman & Lieberman 1986). (Accepted September 14 2006)