From scat to seedling: seasonal variation in seed deposition and emergence by chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in a semi-arid South African savanna

Seed dispersal by primates is a key ecological process, yet research remains comparatively limited in semi-arid savannas. This study investigates the seasonal variation in scat-derived seed deposition and emergence patterns of chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) and their potential role as seed dispersers in Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, South Africa. Across wet and dry seasons, 240 scats (120 per season) were collected over a 12-month period (May 2012-April 2013). A total of 23,132 seeds, representing 22 plant seed taxa, were recovered from faecal samples. Seed count per scat and taxon representation were higher in the dry season, indicating seasonal differences in ingested resources. Fruits dominated the diet in both seasons, while leaves, grasses, pods and invertebrates contributed more in the wet season. Greenhouse trials recorded seedling emergence from seven taxa in the dry season and five in the wet season. Emergence was dominated by herbaceous forbs, particularly Oxalis corniculata and Chamaesyce prostrata. These results indicate potential for emergence rather than direct germination success or gut-passage effects. By linking seed deposition and emergence, this study provides a process-based assessment of baboon-mediated seed dispersal. Results are interpreted as patterns of seed deposition rather than resource selection. These findings highlight baboons as ecologically relevant seed dispersers and support their role in savanna regeneration processes.