New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2003) 27(2): 225- 226

©New Zealand Ecological Society

Possums as seed dispersers in New Zealand: A response to Williams (2003)

Forum Article
Roger J. Dungan *
David A. Norton  
  1. University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
*  Corresponding author
Abstract: 

We agree with Williams’ (2003) response to our previous paper (Dungan et al., 2002) whereby data is presented in support of the contention that we overstated our argument that possums may be the only dispersal vector for large–seeded native New Zealand species. We contend that this does not alter our overall conclusions, but agree that additional work is needed to balance any potential positive effects of possums as seed dispersers against their significant negative impacts on forested ecosystems.

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