DISPERSAL OF POND APPLE (Annona glabra) BY RODENTS, AGILE WALLABIES AND FLYING FOXES

Pond apple is primarily water-dispersed, but native and exotic animals are also potential dispersal agents. Previous studies confirmed cassowaries and feral pigs as vectors; this study investigated the dispersal role of other species, including rodents, wallabies and flying foxes. Infrared motion-detecting cameras recorded three native rodent species consuming seeds: giant white-tailed rats (Uromys caudimaculatis), cane field rats (Rattus sordidus) and pale field rats (Rattus tunneyi). All appeared to destructively consume large quantities of seeds without moving them from host plants. The cameras also recorded agile wallabies (Macropus agilis) consuming seeds. Intact seed was found in 66% of field dung samples; viability was confirmed by germination from dung. Dung containing seed was found up to 230 m from host plants, sometimes in areas where water dispersal was not possible. The dispersal role of these animals may be significant, given their wide northern Australian distribution. Flying foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) were not recorded consuming pond apple seeds in this study; anecdotal evidence suggests they consume the flesh and carry fruit short distances from host plants. Other research shows that the seed is too big for this species to swallow and disperse via gut passage. Results showed that there are many different animal interactions with pond apple, some beneficial and some detrimental to its spread.