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Bonfim FCG, Galetti M, Benchimol M, Morante-Filho JC, Magioli M, Cazetta E. Land-use homogenization reduces the occurrence and diversity of frugivorous birds in a tropical biodiversity hotspot. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 34:e2980. [PMID: 38725332 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how human-modified landscapes maintain biodiversity and provide ecosystem services is crucial for establishing conservation practices. Given that responses to land-use are species-specific, it is crucial to understand how land-use changes may shape patterns of species diversity and persistence in human-modified landscapes. Here, we used a comprehensive data set on bird distribution from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to understand how species richness and individual occurrences of frugivorous bird species responded to land-use spatial predictors and, subsequently, assess how ecological traits and phylogeny modulated these responses. Using Bayesian hierarchical modeling, we reveal that the richness of frugivorous birds was positively associated with the amount of native forest and negatively with both agriculture and pasture amount at the landscape scale. Conversely, the effect of these predictors on species occurrence and ecological traits was highly variable and presented a weak phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, land-use homogenization (i.e., the conversion of forest to pasture or agriculture) led to pervasive consequences for forest-dependent bird species, whereas several generalist species thrived in deforested areas, replacing those sensitive to habitat disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando César Gonçalves Bonfim
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Mauro Galetti
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Maíra Benchimol
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Morante-Filho
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Magioli
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Carnívoros (CENAP), Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Atibaia, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação (LAEC), Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP), Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliana Cazetta
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Brazil
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2
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Zwerts JA, Sterck EHM, Verweij PA, Maisels F, van der Waarde J, Geelen EAM, Tchoumba GB, Donfouet Zebaze HF, van Kuijk M. FSC-certified forest management benefits large mammals compared to non-FSC. Nature 2024; 628:563-568. [PMID: 38600379 PMCID: PMC11023928 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
More than a quarter of the world's tropical forests are exploited for timber1. Logging impacts biodiversity in these ecosystems, primarily through the creation of forest roads that facilitate hunting for wildlife over extensive areas. Forest management certification schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are expected to mitigate impacts on biodiversity, but so far very little is known about the effectiveness of FSC certification because of research design challenges, predominantly limited sample sizes2,3. Here we provide this evidence by using 1.3 million camera-trap photos of 55 mammal species in 14 logging concessions in western equatorial Africa. We observed higher mammal encounter rates in FSC-certified than in non-FSC logging concessions. The effect was most pronounced for species weighing more than 10 kg and for species of high conservation priority such as the critically endangered forest elephant and western lowland gorilla. Across the whole mammal community, non-FSC concessions contained proportionally more rodents and other small species than did FSC-certified concessions. The first priority for species protection should be to maintain unlogged forests with effective law enforcement, but for logged forests our findings provide convincing data that FSC-certified forest management is less damaging to the mammal community than is non-FSC forest management. This study provides strong evidence that FSC-certified forest management or equivalently stringent requirements and controlling mechanisms should become the norm for timber extraction to avoid half-empty forests dominated by rodents and other small species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeri A Zwerts
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Animal Behaviour & Cognition, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - E H M Sterck
- Animal Behaviour & Cognition, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Pita A Verweij
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona Maisels
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Emma A M Geelen
- Animal Behaviour & Cognition, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marijke van Kuijk
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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Tsunamoto Y, Tsuruga H, Kobayashi K, Sukegawa T, Asakura T. Seed dispersal function of the brown bear Ursus arctos on Hokkaido Island in northern Japan: gut passage time, dispersal distance, germination, and effects of remaining pulp. Oecologia 2024; 204:505-515. [PMID: 38265600 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Megafauna are important seed dispersers because they can disperse large quantities of seeds over long distances. In Hokkaido, Japan, the largest terrestrial animal is the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and other megafauna seed dispersers are lacking. Thus, brown bears are expected to have an important function as seed dispersers in Hokkaido. In this study, we, for the first time, evaluated the seed dispersal function of brown bears in Hokkaido using three fleshy-fruited trees and studied: (1) gut passage time (GPT) in feeding experiments, (2) seed dispersal distance using tracking data of wild bears, and (3) the effect of gut passage and pulp removal on germination rate. Most seeds were defecated intact, and less than 6% were broken. The average GPT without pulp was 3 h and 56 min to 6 h and 13 min, depending on the plant and trial. Each plant's average simulated seed dispersal distance was 202-512 m. The dispersal distance of Actinidia arguta seeds with pulp was significantly longer than those without pulp because of their longer GPT. The germination rate of defecated seeds without pulp was 19-51%, depending on the plant, and was significantly higher or not different comparing with that of seeds with pulp. We concluded that brown bears in Hokkaido are effective seed dispersers. In managing brown bears in Hokkaido, such ecological functions should be considered along with conserving the bear population and reducing human-bear conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Tsunamoto
- Hokkaido Research Organization, Research Institute of Energy, Environment and Geology, Kita 19 Nishi 12, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0819, Japan.
| | - Hifumi Tsuruga
- Hokkaido Research Organization, Research Institute of Energy, Environment and Geology, Kita 19 Nishi 12, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0819, Japan
| | - Konomi Kobayashi
- Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sukegawa
- Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takuya Asakura
- Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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4
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Zhang J, Wang B. Intraspecific variation in seed size is mediated by seed dispersal modes and animal dispersers - evidence from a global-scale dataset. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 241:461-470. [PMID: 37858964 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Seed dispersal mechanisms play a crucial role in driving evolutionary changes in seed and fruit traits. While previous studies have primarily focussed on the mean or maximum values of these traits, there is also significant intraspecific variation in them. Therefore, it is pertinent to investigate whether dispersal mechanisms can explain intraspecific variations in these traits. Taking seed size as a case study, we compiled a global dataset comprising 3424 records of intraspecific variation in seed size (IVSS), belonging to 691 plant species and 131 families. We provided the first comprehensive quantification of dispersal mechanism effects on IVSS. Biotic-dispersed species exhibited a larger IVSS than abiotic-dispersed species. Synzoochory species had a larger IVSS than endozoochory, epizoochory, and myrmecochory species. Vertebrate-dispersed species exhibited a larger IVSS than invertebrate-dispersed species, and species dispersed by birds exhibited a larger IVSS than mammal-dispersed species. Additionally, a clear negative correlation was detected between IVSS and disperser body mass. Our results prove that the IVSS is associated with the seed dispersal mechanism. This study advances our understanding of the dispersal mechanisms' crucial role in seed size evolution, encompassing not only the mean value but also the variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi, Anhui, 247230, China
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5
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Russo NJ, Davies AB, Blakey RV, Ordway EM, Smith TB. Feedback loops between 3D vegetation structure and ecological functions of animals. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:1597-1613. [PMID: 37419868 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems function in a series of feedback loops that can change or maintain vegetation structure. Vegetation structure influences the ecological niche space available to animals, shaping many aspects of behaviour and reproduction. In turn, animals perform ecological functions that shape vegetation structure. However, most studies concerning three-dimensional vegetation structure and animal ecology consider only a single direction of this relationship. Here, we review these separate lines of research and integrate them into a unified concept that describes a feedback mechanism. We also show how remote sensing and animal tracking technologies are now available at the global scale to describe feedback loops and their consequences for ecosystem functioning. An improved understanding of how animals interact with vegetation structure in feedback loops is needed to conserve ecosystems that face major disruptions in response to climate and land-use change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Russo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew B Davies
- Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel V Blakey
- La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Biological Sciences Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Elsa M Ordway
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Thomas B Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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6
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Chen Y, McConkey KR, Fan P. Sympatric primate seed dispersers and predators jointly contribute to plant diversity in a subtropical forest. Oecologia 2023; 202:715-727. [PMID: 37553533 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05430-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Mutualistic and antagonistic plant-animal interactions differentially contribute to the maintenance of species diversity in ecological communities. Although both seed dispersal and predation by fruit-eating animals are recognized as important drivers of plant population dynamics, the mechanisms underlying how seed dispersers and predators jointly affect plant diversity remain largely unexplored. Based on mediating roles of seed size and species abundance, we investigated the effects of seed dispersal and predation by two sympatric primates (Nomascus concolor and Trachypithecus crepusculus) on local plant recruitment in a subtropical forest of China. Over a 26 month period, we confirmed that these primates were functionally distinct: gibbons were legitimate seed dispersers who dispersed seeds of 44 plant species, while langurs were primarily seed predators who destroyed seeds of 48 plant species. Gibbons dispersed medium-seeded species more effectively than small- and large-seeded species, and dispersed more seeds of rare species than common and dominant species. Langurs showed a similar predation rate across different sizes of seeds, but destroyed a large number of seeds from common species. Due to gut passage effects, gibbons significantly shortened the duration of seed germination for 58% of the dispersed species; however, for 54% of species, seed germination rates were reduced significantly. Our study underlined the contrasting contributions of two primate species to local plant recruitment processes. By dispersing rare species and destroying the seeds of common species, both primates might jointly maintain plant species diversity. To maintain healthy ecosystems, the conservation of mammals that play critical functional roles needs to receive further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Kim R McConkey
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pengfei Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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7
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Teixeira S, Smeraldo S, Russo D. Unveiling the Potential Distribution of the Highly Threatened Madeira Pipistrelle ( Pipistrellus maderensis): Do Different Evolutionary Significant Units Exist? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:998. [PMID: 37508426 PMCID: PMC10376549 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of islands has played a significant role in shaping the unique evolutionary histories of many species of flora and fauna, including bats. One notable example is the Madeira pipistrelle (Pipistrellus maderensis), which inhabits the Macaronesian archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Despite the high biogeographic and conservation importance of this species, there is limited information on its ecology and evolutionary history across different archipelagos. In our study, we employed species distribution models (SDMs) to identify suitable habitats for the Madeira pipistrelle and determine the environmental factors influencing its distribution. Additionally, we conducted molecular comparisons using mitochondrial DNA data from various Macaronesian islands. Molecular analyses provided compelling evidence for the presence of distinct Evolutionary Significant Units on the different archipelagos. We identified distinct haplotypes in the populations of Madeira and the Canary Islands, with a genetic distance ranging from a minimum of 2.4% to a maximum of 3.3% between samples from different archipelagos. In support of this, SDMs highlighted relevant dissimilarities between the environmental requirements of the populations of the three archipelagos, particularly the climatic niche. Our research demonstrates that deeper investigations that combine ecological, morphological, and genetic areas are necessary to implement tailored conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Teixeira
- Faculty of Life Sciences (FCV), Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9000-082 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Sonia Smeraldo
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Evolution (AnEcoEvo), Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Russo
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Evolution (AnEcoEvo), Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy
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8
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Santos ASD, Sansevero JBB, Conde MMS, Portela RDCQ. Monkey overabundance indirectly affects community seed rain via a disruptive interaction with a keystone palm species. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2023.103895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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9
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Rehling F, Jongejans E, Schlautmann J, Albrecht J, Fassbender H, Jaroszewicz B, Matthies D, Waldschmidt L, Farwig N, Schabo DG. Common seed dispersers contribute most to the persistence of a fleshy-fruited tree. Commun Biol 2023; 6:330. [PMID: 36973362 PMCID: PMC10043030 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04647-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutualistic interactions are by definition beneficial for each contributing partner. However, it is insufficiently understood how mutualistic interactions influence partners throughout their lives. Here, we used animal species-explicit, microhabitat-structured integral projection models to quantify the effect of seed dispersal by 20 animal species on the full life cycle of the tree Frangula alnus in Białowieża Forest, Eastern Poland. Our analysis showed that animal seed dispersal increased population growth by 2.5%. The effectiveness of animals as seed dispersers was strongly related to the interaction frequency but not the quality of seed dispersal. Consequently, the projected population decline due to simulated species extinction was driven by the loss of common rather than rare mutualist species. Our results support the notion that frequently interacting mutualists contribute most to the persistence of the populations of their partners, underscoring the role of common species for ecosystem functioning and nature conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn Rehling
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Marburg, Germany.
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Animal Ecology, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Eelke Jongejans
- Radboud University, RIBES, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- NIOO-KNAW, Department of Animal Ecology, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan Schlautmann
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Albrecht
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hubert Fassbender
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Bogdan Jaroszewicz
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology, Białowieża Geobotanical Station, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Diethart Matthies
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Plant Ecology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lina Waldschmidt
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nina Farwig
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dana G Schabo
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, Marburg, Germany
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Peralta-Sánchez JM, Ansotegui A, Hortas F, Redón S, Martín-Vélez V, Green AJ, Navarro-Ramos MJ, Lovas-Kiss A, Sánchez MI. Seed Size, Not Dispersal Syndrome, Determines Potential for Spread of Ricefield Weeds by Gulls. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1470. [PMID: 37050096 PMCID: PMC10096937 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent field data suggest that migratory gulls disperse many rice field weeds by gut passage (endozoochory), most of which are dry fruited and widely assumed to have no long-distance dispersal mechanisms, except via human activity. We investigated this mechanism with a feeding experiment, in which seeds of five common rice field weeds (in order of increasing seed size: Juncus bufonius, Cyperus difformis, Polypogon monspeliensis, Amaranthus retroflexus, and the fleshy-fruited Solanum nigrum) were fed to seven individuals of lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus held in captivity. We quantified seed survival after collecting faeces at intervals for 33 h after ingestion, then extracting intact seeds and running germination tests, which were also conducted for control seeds. All five species showed high seed survival after gut passage, of >70%. Gut retention times averaged 2-4 h, but maxima exceeded 23 h for all species. Germinability after gut passage was 16-54%, and gut passage accelerated germination in J. bufonius and S. nigrum, but slowed it down in the other species. All species had lower germinability after gut passage compared to control seeds (likely due to stratification prior to the experiment), but the loss of germinability was higher in smaller seeds. There was no evidence that the different dispersal syndromes assigned to the five species (endozoochory, epizoochory or barochory) had any influence on our results. In contrast, mean gut retention time was strongly and positively related to seed size, likely because small seeds pass more quickly from the gizzard into the intestines. Non-classical endozoochory of dry-fruited seeds by waterbirds is a major but overlooked mechanism for potential long-distance dispersal, and more research into this process is likely essential for effective weed management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Peralta-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.M.P.-S.); (A.A.); (S.R.)
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Albán Ansotegui
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.M.P.-S.); (A.A.); (S.R.)
- Wetland Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (A.J.G.); (M.J.N.-R.)
| | - Francisco Hortas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Avda. República Árabe Saharaui s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain;
| | - Stella Redón
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.M.P.-S.); (A.A.); (S.R.)
- Wetland Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (A.J.G.); (M.J.N.-R.)
| | - Víctor Martín-Vélez
- Wetland Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (A.J.G.); (M.J.N.-R.)
| | - Andy J. Green
- Wetland Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (A.J.G.); (M.J.N.-R.)
| | - María J. Navarro-Ramos
- Wetland Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (A.J.G.); (M.J.N.-R.)
| | - Adam Lovas-Kiss
- Wetland Ecology Research Group, Department of Tisza Research, MTA Centre for Ecological Research-DRI, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Marta I. Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Seville, Spain; (J.M.P.-S.); (A.A.); (S.R.)
- Wetland Ecology Department, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (A.J.G.); (M.J.N.-R.)
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11
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Animal-mediated plant niche tracking in a changing climate. Trends Ecol Evol 2023:S0169-5347(23)00034-4. [PMID: 36932024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Over half of plant species are animal-dispersed, and our understanding of how animals can help plants move in response to climate change - a process known as niche tracking - is limited, but advancing rapidly. Recent research efforts find evidence that animals are helping plants track their niches. They also identify key conditions needed for animal-mediated niche tracking to occur, including alignment of the timing of seed availability, the directionality of animal movements, and microhabitat conditions where seeds are deposited. A research framework that measures niche tracking effectiveness by considering all parts of the niche-tracking process, and links together data and models from multiple disciplines, will lead to further insight and inform actions to help ecosystems adapt to a changing world.
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12
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Rabett RJ, Morimoto R, Kahlert T, Stimpson CM, O’Donnell S, Mai Huong NT, Manh BV, Holmes R, Khánh PS, Van TT, Coward F. Prehistoric pathways to Anthropocene adaptation: Evidence from the Red River Delta, Vietnam. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280126. [PMID: 36753481 PMCID: PMC9907861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past twenty years, government advisory bodies have placed increasing emphasis on the need for adaptive measures in response to the effects of human-induced climate change. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which incorporate macroeconomic and climate variables, feature prominently in advisory content, though they rarely draw on data from outside strictly constrained hypothetical systems. This has led to assertions that they are not well-suited to approximate complex systemic human-environment processes. Modular, interdisciplinary approaches have offered a way to address this shortcoming; however, beyond climate records, prehistoric data continue to be under-utilised in developing such models. In this paper we highlight the contribution that archaeology and palaeoecology can make to the development of the next generation IAMs that are expected to enhance provision for more local and pro-active adaptations to future climate change. We present data from one of Southeast Asia's most heavily developed river deltas: the Red River (Song Hong) Delta, in Vietnam and localised analysis from the Tràng An Landscape Complex World Heritage Site, on the delta's southern margin. Comparison is made between Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) 5-8.5 and SSP2-4.5 emission projection models and the Mid-Holocene inundation of the Red River Basin. We highlight the value to taking a scientific long view of coastal evolution through an illustrative set of eight research foci where palaeo-data can bring new and localised empirical data to bear on future risk management planning. We proceed to demonstrate the applicability of palaeoenvironmental, zooarchaeological and historical evidence to management and the development of sustainable conservation strategies using Tràng An as a case study. In so doing, we further highlight the importance of knowledge exchange between scientific, corporate, non-governmental, local, and state stakeholders to achieve tangible results on the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Rabett
- Archaeology & Palaeoecology, School of Natural & Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Institute for Hellenic Culture & the Liberal Arts, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Risa Morimoto
- Department of Economics, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten Kahlert
- Centre for Geographic Information Science and Geomatics, School of Natural & Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shawn O’Donnell
- Department of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bui Van Manh
- Department of Tourism, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
| | - Rachael Holmes
- School of Geography, Geology & the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Phạm Sinh Khánh
- Tràng An Landscape Complex Management Board, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
| | - Tran Tan Van
- Vietnam Institute of Geosciences & Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Fiona Coward
- Department of Archaeology, Anthropology & Forensic Science, Faculty of Science & Technology Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom
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13
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Plant-frugivore network simplification under habitat fragmentation leaves a small core of interacting generalists. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1214. [PMID: 36357489 PMCID: PMC9649668 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation impacts seed dispersal processes that are important in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, it is still unclear how habitat fragmentation affects frugivorous interactions due to the lack of high-quality data on plant-frugivore networks. Here we recorded 10,117 plant-frugivore interactions from 22 reservoir islands and six nearby mainland sites using the technology of arboreal camera trapping to assess the effects of island area and isolation on the diversity, structure, and stability of plant-frugivore networks. We found that network simplification under habitat fragmentation reduces the number of interactions involving specialized species and large-bodied frugivores. Small islands had more connected, less modular, and more nested networks that consisted mainly of small-bodied birds and abundant plants, as well as showed evidence of interaction release (i.e., dietary expansion of frugivores). Our results reveal the importance of preserving large forest remnants to support plant-frugivore interaction diversity and forest functionality. Smaller communities, such as those on islands, under ecological network simplification reduce interactions between specialist organisms.
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14
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Lamperty T, Brosi BJ. Loss of endangered frugivores from seed dispersal networks generates severe mutualism disruption. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220887. [PMID: 36476005 PMCID: PMC9554716 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many tropical seed-dispersing frugivores are facing extinction, but the consequences of the loss of endangered frugivores for seed dispersal is not well understood. We investigated the role of frugivore endangerment status via robustness-to-coextinction simulations (in this context, more accurately described as robustness-to-partner-loss simulations) using data from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. By simulating the extinction of endangered frugivores, we found a rapid and disproportionate loss of tree species with dispersal partners in the network, and this surprisingly surpassed any other frugivore extinction scenario, including the loss of the most generalist frugivores first. A key driver of this pattern is that many specialist plants rely on at-risk frugivores as seed-dispersal partners. Moreover, interaction compensation in the absence of endangered frugivores may be unlikely because frugivores with growing populations forage on fewer plant species than frugivores with declining populations. Therefore, protecting endangered frugivores could be critical for maintaining tropical forest seed dispersal, and their loss may have higher-than-expected functional consequences for tropical forests, their regeneration processes, and the maintenance of tropical plant diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Lamperty
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Life Sciences Building, 3747 W Stevens WayNE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Berry J. Brosi
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Life Sciences Building, 3747 W Stevens WayNE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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15
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Vollstädt MGR, Galetti M, Kaiser‐Bunbury CN, Simmons BI, Gonçalves F, Morales‐Pérez AL, Navarro L, Tarazona‐Tubens FL, Schubert S, Carlo T, Salazar J, Faife‐Cabrera M, Strong A, Madden H, Mitchell A, Dalsgaard B. Plant–frugivore interactions across the Caribbean islands: Modularity, invader complexes and the importance of generalist species. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian G. R. Vollstädt
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, GLOBE Institute University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Mauro Galetti
- Department of Biology University of Miami Coral Gables Florida USA
- Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Biodiversidade Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rio Claro Brazil
| | - Christopher N. Kaiser‐Bunbury
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, Penryn Campus University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Benno I. Simmons
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, Penryn Campus University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Fernando Gonçalves
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, GLOBE Institute University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | | | - Luis Navarro
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ciencias del Suelo Universidad de Vigo Vigo Spain
| | | | - Spencer Schubert
- Department of Biological Sciences Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia USA
| | - Tomas Carlo
- Biology Department & Ecology Program The Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania USA
| | - Jackeline Salazar
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) Santo Domingo Dominican Republic
- Grupo Jaragua Inc. Santo Domingo Dominican Republic
| | - Michel Faife‐Cabrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Centro de Estudios Jardín Botánico Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas Santa Clara Cuba
| | - Allan Strong
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont, Aiken Center Burlington Vermont USA
| | - Hannah Madden
- Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) Oranjestad The Netherlands
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, and Utrecht University Den Burg The Netherlands
| | - Adam Mitchell
- Sint Eustatius National Parks Oranjestad Netherlands
| | - Bo Dalsgaard
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, GLOBE Institute University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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16
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Effects of landscape structure on restoration success in tropical premontane forest. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13452. [PMID: 35927554 PMCID: PMC9352795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16542-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversing large-scale habitat degradation and deforestation goes beyond what can be achieved by site-level ecological restoration and a landscape ecology perspective is fundamental. Here we assess the relative importance of tree cover and its configuration on forest-dependent birds and late-successional tree seedlings in restoration sites in southern Costa Rica. The abundance and species richness of birds increased in landscapes with more corridors, higher tree cover, and lower levels of fragmentation, highlighting the importance of riparian corridors for connectivity, and continuous tree cover as suitable habitat. Landscape variables affected abundance and species richness of seedlings similarly, but effects were weaker, possibly because seedlings face establishment limitation in addition to dispersal limitation. Moreover, the scale of landscape effects on seedlings was small, likely because proximal individual trees can significantly influence recruitment in restoration plots. Results underscore the importance of incorporating landscape-level metrics to restoration projects, as knowing the extent, and how the landscape may affect restoration outcomes can help to infer what kind of species will arrive to restoration plots.
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17
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van Leeuwen CHA, Villar N, Mendoza Sagrera I, Green AJ, Bakker ES, Soons MB, Galetti M, Jansen PA, Nolet BA, Santamaría L. A seed dispersal effectiveness framework across the mutualism–antagonism continuum. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nacho Villar
- Dept of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Inst. of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen the Netherlands
- Inst. de Biociências, Depto de Biodiversidade, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rio Claro São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | - Elisabeth S. Bakker
- Dept of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Inst. of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen the Netherlands
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen Univ. Wageningen the Netherlands
| | - Merel B. Soons
- Ecology and Biodiversity Group, Inst. of Environmental Biology, Utrecht Univ. Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - Mauro Galetti
- Inst. de Biociências, Depto de Biodiversidade, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rio Claro São Paulo Brazil
- Dept of Biology, Univ. of Miami Coral Gables FL USA
| | - Patrick A. Jansen
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen Univ. Wageningen the Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Inst. Panamá República de Panamá
| | - Bart A. Nolet
- Dept of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Inst. of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW) Wageningen the Netherlands
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18
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Rehling F, Schlautmann J, Jaroszewicz B, Schabo DG, Farwig N. Forest degradation limits the complementarity and quality of animal seed dispersal. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220391. [PMID: 35611541 PMCID: PMC9130786 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Forest degradation changes the structural heterogeneity of forests and species communities, with potential consequences for ecosystem functions including seed dispersal by frugivorous animals. While the quantity of seed dispersal may be robust towards forest degradation, changes in the effectiveness of seed dispersal through qualitative changes are poorly understood. Here, we carried out extensive field sampling on the structure of forest microhabitats, seed deposition sites and plant recruitment along three characteristics of forest microhabitats (canopy cover, ground vegetation and deadwood) in Europe's last lowland primeval forest (Białowieża, Poland). We then applied niche modelling to study forest degradation effects on multi-dimensional seed deposition by frugivores and recruitment of fleshy-fruited plants. Forest degradation was shown to (i) reduce the niche volume of forest microhabitat characteristics by half, (ii) homogenize the spatial seed deposition within and among frugivore species, and (iii) limit the regeneration of plants via changes in seed deposition and recruitment. Our study shows that the loss of frugivores in degraded forests is accompanied by a reduction in the complementarity and quality of seed dispersal by remaining frugivores. By contrast, structure-rich habitats, such as old-growth forests, safeguard the diversity of species interactions, forming the basis for high-quality ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn Rehling
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlautmann
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Bogdan Jaroszewicz
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Białowieża Geobotanical Station, PL-17-230 Białowieża, Poland
| | - Dana G. Schabo
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nina Farwig
- Department of Biology, Conservation Ecology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043 Marburg, Germany
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19
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Sáez A, Aguilar R, Ashworth L, Gleiser G, Morales CL, Traveset A, Aizen MA. Managed honeybees decrease pollination limitation in self-compatible but not in self-incompatible crops. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220086. [PMID: 35382601 PMCID: PMC8984806 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern agriculture is becoming increasingly pollinator-dependent. However, the global stock of domesticated honeybees is growing at a slower rate than its demand, while wild bees are declining worldwide. This uneven scenario of high pollinator demand and low pollinator availability can translate into increasing pollination limitation, reducing the yield of pollinator-dependent crops. However, overall assessments of crop pollination limitation and the factors determining its magnitude are missing. Based on 52 published studies including 30 crops, we conducted a meta-analysis comparing crop yield in pollen-supplemented versus open-pollinated flowers. We assessed the overall magnitude of pollination limitation and whether this magnitude was influenced by (i) the presence/absence of managed honeybees, (ii) crop compatibility system (i.e. self-compatible/self-incompatible) and (iii) the interaction between these two factors. Overall, pollen supplementation increased yield by approximately 34%, indicating sizable pollination limitation. Deployment of managed honeybees and self-compatibility were associated with lower pollination limitation. Particularly, active honeybee management decreased pollination limitation among self-compatible but apparently not among self-incompatible crops. These findings indicate that current pollination regimes are, in general, inadequate to maximize crop yield, even when including managed honeybees, and stress the need of transforming the pollination management paradigm of agricultural landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Sáez
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización (ECOPOL), Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Aguilar
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba - CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Laboratorio Nacional de Análisis y Síntesis Ecológica (LANASE), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 58190 Morelia, México
| | - Lorena Ashworth
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba - CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Laboratorio Nacional de Análisis y Síntesis Ecológica (LANASE), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 58190 Morelia, México
| | - Gabriela Gleiser
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización (ECOPOL), Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Carolina L Morales
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización (ECOPOL), Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Anna Traveset
- Global Change Research Group, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, 07190 Esporles, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Marcelo A Aizen
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización (ECOPOL), Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, Bariloche 8400, Rio Negro, Argentina.,Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Berlin 14193, Germany
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20
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Donoso I, Fricke EC, Hervías-Parejo S, Rogers HS, Traveset A. Drivers of Ecological and Evolutionary Disruptions in the Seed Dispersal Process: Research Trends and Biases. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.794481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the sole opportunity for most plants to move, seed dispersal influences the biodiversity and functioning of plant communities. Global change drivers have the potential to disrupt seed dispersal processes, affecting plant communities and ecosystem functions. Even though much information is available on the effects of seed dispersal disruption (SDD), we still lack a comprehensive understanding of its main causes at a global scale, as well as the potential knowledge gaps derived from research biases. Here we present a systematic review of biotic and abiotic SDDs to ascertain the global change drivers addressed, dispersal modes impacted, plant processes affected, and spatial focus of existing research on this topic up-to-date. Although there are many modes of dispersal and global change drivers in temperate and tropical ecosystems worldwide, research efforts have predominantly addressed the effect of alien species for biotic seed dispersal in temperate systems and oceanic islands as well as how defaunation of bird or mammal dispersers has affected seed removal in the Neotropics. SDD studies were also biased toward forest ecosystems, with few in shrublands or grasslands. Finally, the effects of climate change, ecological consequences at the whole community level, and evolutionary changes were largely unrepresented in SDD studies. These trends are likely due to a combination of true geographic and ecological patterns in seed dispersal and global change and bias in research focus. We conclude that increased research investment in the less-studied systems and a better understanding of potential synergies and feedback between multiple global change drivers will be important to forecast the threats to plant biodiversity and those ecosystem functions derived from seed dispersal in the Anthropocene.
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21
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Costa A, Heleno R, Dufrene Y, Huckle E, Gabriel R, Doudee D, Kaiser‐Bunbury CN. Seed dispersal by frugivores from forest remnants promotes the regeneration of adjacent invaded forests in an oceanic island. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Costa
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus TR10 9FE UK
| | - Ruben Heleno
- Centre for Functional Ecology, TERRA Associated Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas 3000‐456 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Yanick Dufrene
- Seychelles National Parks Authority, PO Box 1240 Mahé Seychelles
| | - Eleanor Huckle
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus TR10 9FE UK
| | - Ronny Gabriel
- Seychelles National Parks Authority, PO Box 1240 Mahé Seychelles
| | - Damien Doudee
- Seychelles National Parks Authority, PO Box 1240 Mahé Seychelles
| | - Christopher N. Kaiser‐Bunbury
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus TR10 9FE UK
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22
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Fuzessy L, Sobral G, Carreira D, Rother DC, Barbosa G, Landis M, Galetti M, Dallas T, Cardoso Cláudio V, Culot L, Jordano P. Functional roles of frugivores and plants shape hyper‐diverse mutualistic interactions under two antagonistic conservation scenarios. Biotropica 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisieux Fuzessy
- São Paulo State University UNESP Rio Claro SP Brazil
- Estación Biológica de Doñana EBD‐CSIC Sevilla Spain
| | | | - Daiane Carreira
- University of São Paulo Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" Esalq USP Piracicaba SP Brazil
| | - Débora Cristina Rother
- University of São Paulo USP São Paulo SP Brazil
- University of São Paulo Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" Esalq USP Piracicaba SP Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauro Galetti
- São Paulo State University UNESP Rio Claro SP Brazil
- Department of Biology University of Miami Coral Gables Florida USA
| | - Tad Dallas
- Louisiana State University Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
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23
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Fricke EC, Ordonez A, Rogers HS, Svenning JC. The effects of defaunation on plants' capacity to track climate change. Science 2022; 375:210-214. [PMID: 35025640 DOI: 10.1126/science.abk3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Half of all plant species rely on animals to disperse their seeds. Seed dispersal interactions lost through defaunation and gained during novel community assembly influence whether plants can adapt to climate change through migration. We develop trait-based models to predict pairwise interactions and dispersal function for fleshy-fruited plants globally. Using interactions with introduced species as an observable proxy for interactions in future novel seed dispersal networks, we find strong potential to forecast their assembly and functioning. We conservatively estimate that mammal and bird defaunation has already reduced the capacity of plants to track climate change by 60% globally. This strong reduction in the ability of plants to adapt to climate change through range shifts shows a synergy between defaunation and climate change that undermines vegetation resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan C Fricke
- National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, University of Maryland, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA.,Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Alejandro Ordonez
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Haldre S Rogers
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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24
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Sandor ME, Aslan CE, Pejchar L, Bronstein JL. A Mechanistic Framework for Understanding the Effects of Climate Change on the Link Between Flowering and Fruiting Phenology. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.752110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenological shifts are a widely studied consequence of climate change. Little is known, however, about certain critical phenological events, nor about mechanistic links between shifts in different life-history stages of the same organism. Among angiosperms, flowering times have been observed to advance with climate change, but, whether fruiting times shift as a direct consequence of shifting flowering times, or respond differently or not at all to climate change, is poorly understood. Yet, shifts in fruiting could alter species interactions, including by disrupting seed dispersal mutualisms. In the absence of long-term data on fruiting phenology, but given extensive data on flowering, we argue that an understanding of whether flowering and fruiting are tightly linked or respond independently to environmental change can significantly advance our understanding of how fruiting phenologies will respond to warming climates. Through a case study of biotically and abiotically dispersed plants, we present evidence for a potential functional link between the timing of flowering and fruiting. We then propose general mechanisms for how flowering and fruiting life history stages could be functionally linked or independently driven by external factors, and we use our case study species and phenological responses to distinguish among proposed mechanisms in a real-world framework. Finally, we identify research directions that could elucidate which of these mechanisms drive the timing between subsequent life stages. Understanding how fruiting phenology is altered by climate change is essential for all plant species but is particularly critical to sustaining the large numbers of plant species that rely on animal-mediated dispersal, as well as the animals that rely on fruit for sustenance.
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