EFFECT OF CAMEL GUT PASSAGE ON SEED DISPERSION AND GERMINATION OF TWO ASTRAGALUS SPECIES (FABACEAE)

Abstract

Camels, adapted to harsh desert conditions, are known to consume various wild Fabaceae plants. This study explores the potential role of camels in dispersing and germinating seeds of Astragalus ghysensis and Astargalus gombo, two wild native Saharan Fabaceae species. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 investigated the survival and germination of A. ghysensis seeds recovered from camel feces collected from natural rangelands. Fecal samples from each range were analyzed for seed content. Experiment 2 assessed the impact of camel digestion on seed recovery and germination. Three camels were fed A. gombo seeds for eight days. Feces were collected daily, and seeds were extracted and counted. The first experiment identified 3103 seeds, most of which were intact. A high proportion of Fabaceae seeds, especially A. ghysensis (41.57%), survived passage through the camel's digestive tract. Germination percentages were significantly higher for seeds that had passed through the camel's gut compared to control seeds. The second experiment showed that camel digestion slightly increased seed size without altering shape or color. A high percentage of seeds (45%) were recovered from feces between 48 and 72 hours. Importantly, seed germination was significantly enhanced after digestive passage. Germination percentages increased from 12.8% to 43.5% for A. ghysensis and 0.75% for A. gombo for both control and camel-passed seeds. These results indicate that camels contribute significantly to their ecosystem by dispersing viable seeds via their feces. Endozoochory facilitates the germination and establishment of various wild pastoral plant species