A note on the dispersal of seeds of blackberry (Rubus procerus P.J. Muell.) by foxes and emus

The monthly variation in the number of seeds of blackberry (Rubus procerus P. J. Muell.) in fox (Vulpes vulpes) faecal droppings was measured at two sites in Victoria, Australia. The maximum percentage of droppings containing seeds (89% at Dartmouth and 55% at Sherbrooke) and the maximum monthly average for the number of seeds per dropping (570 at Dartmouth and 390 at Sherbrooke) occurred in March. Droppings of emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) collected at Dartmouth contained a mean of 2460 blackberry seeds per dropping. Blackberry seed obtained from berries, fox droppings and emu droppings was tested for germination over a 1O-month period. Germination commenced in spring and ranged from 22 to 35%. It is concluded that foxes and birds are probably responsible for dispersing blackberry over large areas of Victorian bushland.