Citation
Acorn dispersal by birds and mammals
TL;DR
Squirrel caching is primary dispersal mechanism for oak trees
This ecological research establishes squirrel caching as the primary dispersal mechanism for oak trees. The study documents how unretrieved acorns (20-30% of caches) germinate into new trees, making squirrel 'storage failure' essential for oak forest regeneration.
This research provides the scientific foundation for the chapter's central insight: apparent inefficiency can create long-term ecosystem value. The squirrel's 'waste' builds the forest that sustains future generations.
Key Findings from Steele & Smallwood (2002)
- Squirrel caching is primary dispersal mechanism for oak trees
- 20-30% non-retrieval rate enables oak regeneration
- Single squirrel plants 1,250+ potential oak trees annually
- Oak forests depend on squirrel caching for geographic spread
- Storage 'loss' creates multi-generational ecosystem value