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Societal Impact Statement: This study illuminates the underappreciated role of invertebrates in seed dispersal, extending beyond the well‐documented contributions of ants. Focusing on Monotropastrum humile (銀竜草 [silver dragon plant] or 水晶蘭 [crystal orchid]), a non‐photosynthetic plant known for its minuscule, dust‐like seeds, the present research uncovers their seed dispersal roles of woodlice and earwigs in Japan. Remarkably, these invertebrates include the smallest known endozoochorous seed dispersers. Summary: Endozoochory, or internal seed dispersal through the digestive tracts of animals, has been less studied in invertebrates compared with vertebrates. Nonetheless, endozoochory is plausible whenever seeds are small enough for ingestion by frugivorous animals, suggesting a potential role for invertebrates in seed dispersal, especially for plants with minute seeds.Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae), characterized by its fleshy fruits and dust‐like seeds, is known to utilize invertebrate agents such as camel crickets and cockroaches for seed dispersal. Here, we investigate this seed dispersal mechanism using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and seed coat anatomy analysis, particularly focusing on interactions among undocumented invertebrate internal seed dispersers.Field observations indicated that in the studied population, M. humile fruits were primarily consumed by camel crickets, woodlice, and earwigs. Their effectiveness as seed dispersers varied, with camel crickets primarily acting as dispersers, whereas earwigs and woodlice were more inclined toward seed predation. Nonetheless, some seeds defecated by earwigs and woodlice remained intact, suggesting that they could also function as dispersal agents.The woodlouse Porcellio scaber is now recognized as the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agent. Combined with earlier discoveries, such as seed dispersal by camel crickets, cockroaches, and ants, and the fact that P. scaber is an exotic species in the study site, M. humile likely depends on a broad spectrum of local invertebrates. The engagement of multiple invertebrate dispersers may enhance seed dispersal across diverse habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebolaviruses have the ability to infect a wide variety of species, with many African mammals potentially serving either as primary reservoirs or secondary amplifying hosts. Previous work has shown that frugivorous bats and primates are often associated with spillover and outbreaks. Yet the role that patterns of biodiversity, either of mammalian hosts or of common fruiting species such as Ficus (figs, fruit resources used by a wide variety of species), play in driving outbreak risk remains unclear. We investigated what factors most directly influence Ebolavirus outbreak risk in Sub‐Saharan Africa by using a phylogenetically informed path analysis to compare a wide array of potential models (path diagrams) of spatial dynamics. We considered mammalian frugivore richness, cercopithecid and hominid primate richness, richness of pteropodid (fruit) bats, the spatial distribution of species that have tested positive for Ebolavirus antibodies in the wild, Ficus habitat suitability, and environmental conditions (mean annual and variability in temperature and rainfall). The proximate factors that most influenced whether a given host species range contained a site of a previous outbreak event were 1) habitat suitability for Ficus and 2) the diversity of cercopithecid primates. Frugivore richness overall (including bats, primates, and a few other mammals) and the richness of bats in the family Pteropodidae had a strong effect on which species tested positive for Ebolavirus antibodies, but did not influence outbreak risk directly in pathways explored. We interpret this as evidence that foraging around Ficus and frugivorous mammals (such as cercopithecid primates which are commonly hunted for food) play a prominent role in driving outbreaks into human communities, relative to other factors we considered which influence outbreak risk more indirectly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement This study illuminates the underappreciated role of invertebrates in seed dispersal, extending beyond the well‐documented contributions of ants. Focusing on Monotropastrum humile (銀竜草 [silver dragon plant] or 水晶蘭 [crystal orchid]), a non‐photosynthetic plant known for its minuscule, dust‐like seeds, the present research uncovers their seed dispersal roles of woodlice and earwigs in Japan. Remarkably, these invertebrates include the smallest known endozoochorous seed dispersers. Summary Endozoochory, or internal seed dispersal through the digestive tracts of animals, has been less studied in invertebrates compared with vertebrates. Nonetheless, endozoochory is plausible whenever seeds are small enough for ingestion by frugivorous animals, suggesting a potential role for invertebrates in seed dispersal, especially for plants with minute seeds. Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae), characterized by its fleshy fruits and dust‐like seeds, is known to utilize invertebrate agents such as camel crickets and cockroaches for seed dispersal. Here, we investigate this seed dispersal mechanism using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and seed coat anatomy analysis, particularly focusing on interactions among undocumented invertebrate internal seed dispersers. Field observations indicated that in the studied population, M. humile fruits were primarily consumed by camel crickets, woodlice, and earwigs. Their effectiveness as seed dispersers varied, with camel crickets primarily acting as dispersers, whereas earwigs and woodlice were more inclined toward seed predation. Nonetheless, some seeds defecated by earwigs and woodlice remained intact, suggesting that they could also function as dispersal agents. The woodlouse Porcellio scaber is now recognized as the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agent. Combined with earlier discoveries, such as seed dispersal by camel crickets, cockroaches, and ants, and the fact that P. scaber is an exotic species in the study site, M. humile likely depends on a broad spectrum of local invertebrates. The engagement of multiple invertebrate dispersers may enhance seed dispersal across diverse habitats.

We conducted a preliminary survey of the wild common palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus in a secondary forest in Pangandaran Nature Reserve, West Java, Indonesia. We collected 125 fresh fecal samples between October 2018 and August 2019. We conducted faecal analyses after species confirmation by camera trapping and faecal DNA analysis. Almost all faeces contained fruits and seeds (frequency of occurrence: 97.6%), while the percentage of animal matter (including mammals, birds, insects, non-insect arthropods, and molluscs) was much lower (22.4%). We observed no seasonal differences in major faecal contents. Higher dependence on fruits by the common palm civets was similar to those in other study sites. Seeds of at least eight different plant species were found in the faeces of the common palm civets, which implied that the common palm civets would play roles as seed dispersal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bats represent a diverse and ecologically significant mammalian group characterized by different feeding habits. Despite the gut microbiota influence on feeding habits, microbiome studies are scarce in South American bats, in a region considered a hot spot for bat biodiversity. Our study in Southern Brazil compared the gut microbiota of four bat species with different diets: nectarivorous, frugivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. We found that each species had unique gut microbiotas linked to their dietary habits, impacting their metabolic potentials. The presence of potentially harmful bacteria varied with feeding habits, suggesting a correlation between diet and microbial pathogens in bats. These insights emphasize the importance of preserving diverse habitats and food sources to support the conservation of bats and their ecosystems. Bats are a diverse and ecologically important group of mammals that exhibit remarkable diversity in their feeding habits. These diverse feeding habits are thought to be reflected in the composition and function of their gut microbiota, which plays important roles in nutrient acquisition, immune function, and overall health. Despite the rich biodiversity of bat species in South America, there is a lack of microbiome studies focusing on bats from this region. Such studies could offer major insights into conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity in South America. In this work, we aimed to compare the gut microbiota of four bat species with different feeding habits from Southern Brazil, including nectarivorous, frugivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous bats. Our findings demonstrate that feeding habits can have a significant impact on the diversity and composition of bat gut microbiotas, with each species exhibiting unique metabolic potentials related to their dietary niches. In addition, the identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria suggests that the carriage of microbial pathogens by bats may vary, depending on feeding habits and host-specific factors. These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between bat feeding habits and gut microbiota composition, highlighting the need to promote diverse habitats and food sources to support these ecologically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ficus spp. belongs to the Moraceae family and is primarily found in tropical lowland rainforests. They exhibit various growth types including hemi-epiphytes, climbers, shrubs, and trees. The Ficus genus plays a vital role as a keystone species as it significantly impacts its microhabitat and serves as the primary food supply for frugivores throughout the year. Arunachal Pradesh, a state in Northeast India, located in the Eastern Himalayas, comprises a diverse range of forests, including deciduous, evergreen, pine, temperate, alpine, and grassland enriched with a variety of flora and fauna. The current study was conducted in Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, to determine the Ficus diversity and associated frugivores. The survey was done using 20m X 20m quadrats (41 nos.), which were randomly placed within the sanctuary. Ficus-dependent frugivore diversity was examined in their fruiting season using either focal or scan animal sampling techniques by direct sighting. A total of 21 Ficus species comprising 482 individuals were recorded, with the highest distribution in the Tipi Range and the lowest in the Pakke Kessang Range. Four habits of Ficus species, large trees, small trees, shrubs and climbers, were documented. There are five subgenera of Ficus that have been recorded. Ficus semicordata is the most abundant species, while F. religiosa is the least abundant. The frequency percentage of F. benghalensis (46.34%) is the highest, and F. religiosa (2.44%) is the least, while the density of F. auriculata (146.34 ha-1) is the highest, and F. religiosa (2.44 ha-1) has the lowest. The highest level of similarity among Ficus species is observed between the Tipi and Seijosa Range. The figs of Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary are associated with 54 frugivore species out of them 43 avian and 11 mammalian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: The evolution of fruit size is poorly understood, though long‐standing hypotheses, the dispersal syndrome hypothesis and correlated evolution hypothesis, have highlighted the influence of frugivores and phylogeny on fruit size variation. Location: Interaction networks were extracted from studies carried out in Asia, Europe, Africa, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and the Neotropics. Time Period: Up to 50 years between 1970 and 2022. Major Taxa Studied: Frugivores (birds and mammals) and fleshy‐fruited plants. Methods: We compiled a global data set on fruit size (i.e. width and length) and plant traits (i.e. leaf area and plant height) for 349 fleshy‐fruited plants, and the body mass of frugivores from 326 interaction networks. We constructed a plant phylogeny from a mega‐tree containing 74,533 vascular plant species and we calculated Pagel's λ to assess the phylogenetic signal in plant traits and fruit size. Phylogenetic generalized linear mixed model (PGLMM) was used to reveal relationships between fruit size and plant traits as well as the body mass of interacting frugivores. We used phylogenetic partial R2s regression model to tease apart the effects of body mass of frugivores, leaf area, plant height and plant phylogeny on the evolution of fruit size. Results: We show that the global variation in fruit width is better explained by frugivorous assemblages than by phylogeny and plant functional traits (leaf area and plant height). Despite the significant evolutionary correlation between fruit length and width, fruit length appears to be more phylogenetically constrained and less sensitive to frugivore‐driven selection than fruit width. Main Conclusion: In light of the two original hypotheses, our study demonstrates a global phylogenetic constraint on fruit length and frugivore‐driven selection on fruit width, provides a novel mechanistic explanation for the evolution of fruit size across fleshy‐fruited plant species. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between frugivory, phylogeny and plant traits in the evolution of fruit size, offering valuable insights into the broader context of published findings and hypotheses in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal is one of the most important ecosystem functions globally. It shapes plant populations, enhances forest succession, and has multiple, indirect benefits for humans, yet it is one of the most threatened processes in plant regeneration, worldwide. Seed dispersal distances are determined by the diets, seed retention times and movements of frugivorous animals. Hence, understanding how we can most effectively describe frugivore movement and behaviour with rapidly developing animal tracking technology is key to quantifying seed dispersal. To assess the current use of animal tracking in frugivory studies and to provide a baseline for future studies, we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis on the existing primary literature of global tracking studies that monitor movement of frugivorous animals. Specifically, we identify studies that estimate dispersal distances and how they vary with body mass and environmental traits. We show that over the last two decades there has been a large increase in frugivore tracking studies that determine seed dispersal distances. However, some taxa (e.g. reptiles) and geographic locations (e.g. Africa and Central Asia) are poorly studied. Furthermore, we found that certain morphological and environmental traits can be used to predict seed dispersal distances. We demonstrate that flight ability and increased body mass both significantly increase estimated seed dispersal mean and maximum distances. Our results also suggest that protected areas have a positive effect on mean seed dispersal distances when compared to unprotected areas. We anticipate that this review will act as a reference for future frugivore tracking studies, specifically to target current taxonomic and geographic data gaps, and to further explore how seed dispersal relates to key frugivore and fruit traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Biodiversity in many areas is rapidly declining because of global change. As such, there is an urgent need for new tools and strategies to help identify, monitor and conserve biodiversity hotspots. This is especially true for frugivores, species consuming fruit, because of their important role in seed dispersal and maintenance of forest structure and health. One way to identify these areas is by quantifying functional diversity, which measures the unique roles of species within a community and is valuable for conservation because of its relationship with ecosystem functioning. Unfortunately, the functional trait information required for these studies can be sparse for certain taxa and specific traits and difficult to harmonize across disparate data sources, especially in biodiversity hotspots. To help fill this need, we compiled Frugivoria, a trait database containing ecological, life‐history, morphological and geographical traits for mammals and birds exhibiting frugivory. Frugivoria encompasses species in contiguous moist montane forests and adjacent moist lowland forests of Central and South America—the latter specifically focusing on the Andean states. Compared with existing trait databases, Frugivoria harmonizes existing trait databases, adds new traits, extends traits originally only available for mammals to birds also and fills gaps in trait categories from other databases. Furthermore, we create a cross‐taxa subset of shared traits to aid in analysis of mammals and birds. In total, Frugivoria adds 8662 new trait values for mammals and 14,999 for birds and includes a total of 45,216 trait entries with only 11.37% being imputed. Frugivoria also contains an open workflow that harmonizes trait and taxonomic data from disparate sources and enables users to analyse traits in space. As such, this open‐access database, which aligns with FAIR data principles, fills a major knowledge gap, enabling more comprehensive trait‐based studies of species in this ecologically important region. Main Types of Variable Contained: Ecological, life‐history, morphological and geographical traits. Spatial Location and Grain: Neotropical countries (Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Belize, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Venezuela and Chile) with contiguous montane regions. Time Period and Grain: IUCN spatial data: obtained February 2023, spanning range maps collated from 1998 to 2022. IUCN species data: obtained June 2019–September 2022. Newly included traits: span 1924 to 2023. Major Taxa and Level of Measurement: Classes Mammalia and Aves; 40,074 species‐level traits; 5142 imputed traits for 1733 species (mammals: 582; birds: 1147) and 16 sub‐species (mammals). Software Format:.csv; R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats are a diverse and ecologically important group of mammals that exhibit remarkable diversity in their feeding habits. These diverse feeding habits are thought to be reflected in the composition and function of their gut microbiota, which plays important roles in nutrient acquisition, immune function, and overall health. Despite the rich biodiversity of bat species in South America, there is a lack of microbiome studies focusing on bats from this region. Such studies could offer major insights into conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity in South America. In this work, we aimed to compare the gut microbiota of four bat species with different feeding habits from Southern Brazil, including nectarivorous, frugivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous bats. Our findings demonstrate that feeding habits can have a significant impact on the diversity and composition of bat gut microbiotas, with each species exhibiting unique metabolic potentials related to their dietary niches. In addition, the identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria suggests that the carriage of microbial pathogens by bats may vary, depending on feeding habits and host-specific factors. These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between bat feeding habits and gut microbiota composition, highlighting the need to promote diverse habitats and food sources to support these ecologically important species.

Capturing birds of tropical rainforest canopies is important for answering many questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation, but canopy birds are often out of reach when using conventional mist-netting methods. Some methods exist to mist-net canopy birds, but modifications needed for target-capturing large frugivores are not well documented. Here, we describe a canopy netting method for capturing large, fruit-eating birds in rainforests. The methods presented here emphasize a large net area, maneuverability of netting, and collapsibility for safely preventing the escape of captured birds. During three different projects in the rainforests of Cameroon, this technique has resulted in the successful capture of hornbills (Bucerotidae), turacos (Musophagidae), and fruit pigeons (Columbidae). We recommend this technique for canopy bird research and encourage documentation of any modifications.

Abstract Seed dispersal is one of the most important ecosystem functions globally. It shapes plant populations, enhances forest succession, and has multiple, indirect benefits for humans, yet it is one of the most threatened processes in plant regeneration, worldwide. Seed dispersal distances are determined by the diets, seed retention times and movements of frugivorous animals. Hence, understanding how we can most effectively describe frugivore movement and behaviour with rapidly developing animal tracking technology is key to quantifying seed dispersal. To assess the current use of animal tracking in frugivory studies and to provide a baseline for future studies, we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis on the existing primary literature of global tracking studies that monitor movement of frugivorous animals. Specifically, we identify studies that estimate dispersal distances and how they vary with body mass and environmental traits. We show that over the last two decades there has been a large increase in frugivore tracking studies that determine seed dispersal distances. However, some taxa (e.g. reptiles) and geographic locations (e.g. Africa and Central Asia) are poorly studied. Furthermore, we found that certain morphological and environmental traits can be used to predict seed dispersal distances. We demonstrate that flight ability and increased body mass both significantly increase estimated seed dispersal mean and maximum distances. Our results also suggest that protected areas have a positive effect on mean seed dispersal distances when compared to unprotected areas. We anticipate that this review will act as a reference for future frugivore tracking studies, specifically to target current taxonomic and geographic data gaps, and to further explore how seed dispersal relates to key frugivore and fruit traits.

Tree species used in agroforestry systems can be selected based on which species support higher numbers of plant-animal interactions. Integrating network theory with conservation science is a relatively new aim and several approaches have appeared in the literature that use network theory to identify priority or key plant species in empirical networks. Here we use data from bird-plant networks in coffee agroforests to compare two popular approaches: modularity analysis and the centrality index approach. The dataset includes a total of 834 interactions between 28 plant and 64 bird species. We constructed four quantitative networks, a full and reduced network and a dry and rainy season network. All networks were significantly modular. Modularity analysis identified only two plant species as holding core topological roles in a network, i.e., connectors or network hubs. The centrality index approach identified 12 plant species as priority or key species. The contrasting outcomes from the two approaches demonstrates that more work is needed to merge network theory and conservation science. Before farmers and practitioners can implement science-based management practices to have the greatest impact on biodiversity conservation, scientists will have to decide which approach to follow, or if the two approaches can be merged. We propose one idea for merging the two approaches would be to recommend that farmers or practitioners select plant species with the highest centrality score from each module of the network as well as all plant species identified as holding core topological roles from modularity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution and abundance of plants across the world depends in part on their ability to move, which is commonly characterized by a dispersal kernel. For seeds, the total dispersal kernel (TDK) describes the combined influence of all primary, secondary and higher-order dispersal vectors on the overall dispersal kernel for a plant individual, population, species or community. Understanding the role of each vector within the TDK, and their combined influence on the TDK, is critically important for being able to predict plant responses to a changing biotic or abiotic environment. In addition, fully characterizing the TDK by including all vectors may affect predictions of population spread. Here, we review existing research on the TDK and discuss advances in empirical, conceptual modelling and statistical approaches that will facilitate broader application. The concept is simple, but few examples of well-characterized TDKs exist. We find that significant empirical challenges exist, as many studies do not account for all dispersal vectors (e.g. gravity, higher-order dispersal vectors), inadequately measure or estimate long-distance dispersal resulting from multiple vectors and/or neglect spatial heterogeneity and context dependence. Existing mathematical and conceptual modelling approaches and statistical methods allow fitting individual dispersal kernels and combining them to form a TDK; these will perform best if robust prior information is available. We recommend a modelling cycle to parameterize TDKs, where empirical data inform models, which in turn inform additional data collection. Finally, we recommend that the TDK concept be extended to account for not only where seeds land, but also how that location affects the likelihood of establishing and producing a reproductive adult, i.e. the total effective dispersal kernel.

Many plants produce colour-polymorphic fruits. However, the processes responsible for the evolution and maintenance of fruit colour polymorphisms are poorly understood. We investigated the fruit colour polymorphism in Gaultheria depressa var. novae-zealandiae (Ericaceae), a predominantly bird-dispersed, alpine shrub from New Zealand, by testing whether colour morph frequencies vary geographically to maximise fruit-foliage colour contrasts. We also conducted a seed germination experiment to test whether fruit colour morphs vary in their susceptibility to UV damage. Results showed that 'red' fruits were more abundant at lower elevations, while 'white' fruits were predominant at higher elevations. Leaf colours shifted from 'green' in appearance at lower elevations to 'red' at higher elevations. Analyses of fruit-foliage colour contrasts showed that 'red' fruits were more conspicuous at lower elevations, and 'white' fruits were more conspicuous at higher elevations, which was consistent with the hypothesis that colour morph frequencies vary geographically to maximise their conspicuousness to dispersers. However, 'red' fruits were generally more conspicuous than 'white' fruits, regardless of elevation, indicating that the maintenance of the polymorphism could not be attributed to fruit-foliage colour contrasts alone. The seed germination experiment showed that 'white' fruits were more resistant to UV damage, suggesting the preponderance of 'white' fruited individuals in the landscape results from a greater degree of protection from UV damage. The fruit colour polymorphism in Gaultheria depressa var. novae-zealandiae therefore appears to be maintained by trade-offs between conspicuousness to dispersers and tolerance to UV damage, advocating a pluralistic approach to the problem in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike most animals, most bats cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously. Consequently, this vitamin must be obtained from the diet. Among the bat species, there are several food groups, such as frugivorous, nectarivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. In this work, we measured and compared vitamin C levels in different organs of four species of bats, all collected in southern Brazil. When analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four bat species, (regardless of the organ), no significant differences were observed. However, when analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four organs (regardless of the species), significant differences were observed, with the highest concentrations in the heart, followed by the liver and brain, while the lowest concentration was measured in the kidneys. Additional differences in the levels of Vitamin C were only observed when each organ was analyzed according to the species/diet. These results indicate a high degree of metabolic homeostasis in bats despite the marked difference in the type of diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In endozoochorous seed dispersal, the ecological characteristics of each disperser determine the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the dispersal mechanism. To understand the role of different frugivores in multispecies seed dispersal networks, it is necessary to focus on the community structure and investigate where in the landscape seed deposition occurs. The aim of this research was to assess the quantitative and qualitative aspects of a mammalian endozoochorous seed dispersal network in a temperate forest ecosystem and identify the seasonal dispersal niche of each member of the assemblage. We hypothesized that differences among dispersers and seasons would occur in (H1) the proportion of scats that contain seeds, seed abundance in scats, and the number of seed species dispersed per scat, and in (H2) the probability of dispersing seeds to suitable microsites for germination of each species and seed abundance. We also hypothesized (H3) that the microhabitat variables of deposition sites would vary among dispersers, and (H4) that complementary structures would occur in terms of dispersers, dispersed species, and deposition sites. From summer (June–August) to autumn (September–November) in 2003 and 2004, we collected scats of five mammalian frugivorous species and recorded eight microhabitat variables at each deposition site in central Japan. We recorded the presence and number of seeds in scats and identified all seed at the species level. We considered a deposition site as suitable when the habitat type (interior forest, treefall gap, forest edge, and outside the forest) at a deposition site matched the microhabitat required for the for the dispersed species to germinate and survive as seedlings. A total of 341 scats containing seeds of 16 fleshy-fruited species were collected. Among these, 213 (62.5 %) scats were dispersed to suitable habitats (summer: 68.8 %, autumn: 54.8 %). We found that the seed abundance in the scat varied among dispersers and was higher in autumn (H1–2). The probability of dispersing seeds to suitable microsites switched among dispersers from summer to autumn (H2). The distinctive microhabitat variables and variation in microhabitat at deposition sites differed among dispersers across seasons (H3). Disperser-plant and disperser-deposition site networks were specialized and modular in structure compared to random networks during both seasons, but there was a less nested structure in summer compared to autumn (H4). The five mammal species showed differences and seasonality in seed dispersal niches. Because of these differences, these mammal species may play redundant and complementary roles in the seed dispersal network.

Simple Summary: In this article, we discuss the current status of conventional management and control approaches for mistletoes, the hemiparasitic plants that have emerged as serious pests of trees in forests and commercial fruit and timber plantations. We highlight the research and implementation gaps and discuss possible newer biotechnological interventions to be made in relation to biological control agents and mistletoe-resistant tree cultivars. We also discuss the potential of smart technological alternatives that find synergies with conventional approaches. Mistletoes have been considered a keystone resource for biodiversity, as well as a remarkable source of medicinal attributes that attract pharmacologists. Due to their hemiparasitic nature, mistletoes leach water and nutrients, including primary and secondary metabolites, through the vascular systems of their plant hosts, primarily trees. As a result of intense mistletoe infection, the hosts suffer various growth and physiological detriments, which often lead to tree mortality. Because of their easy dispersal and widespread tropism, mistletoes have become serious pests for commercial fruit and timber plantations. A variety of physical and chemical treatment methods, along with silvicultural practices, have shaped conventional mistletoe management. Others, however, have either failed to circumvent the growing range and tropism of these parasitic plants or present significant environmental and public health risks. A biocontrol approach that could sidestep these issues has never achieved full proof of concept in real-field applications. Our review discusses the downsides of conventional mistletoe control techniques and explores the possibilities of biotechnological approaches using biocontrol agents and transgenic technologies. It is possible that smart management options will pave the way for technologically advanced solutions to mitigate mistletoes that are yet to be exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective seed dispersal is critical for forest regeneration and recruitment as well as the restoration of degraded lands. Most tropical tree species depend on frugivorous animals to disperse their seeds; frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal is thus crucial for biodiversity conservation in megadiverse tropical systems such as India. The fauna in India are increasingly threatened due to anthropogenic interventions such as deforestation and hunting. Thus, it is imperative to have an understanding of plant–frugivore interactions across the country to curb further biodiversity loss by ensuring the maintenance of these ecological processes. In this paper, I reviewed the literature on seed dispersal by animals in India to identify important groups that disperse many plant species and/or are the only recorded dispersers of certain plant species. Hornbills, bulbuls, bears, cattle, deer, civets, elephants, macaques, nilgais, Old World fruit bats, and wild pigs meet these criteria; overall 18 species were included in this list. Six of these species are currently "Threatened" on the IUCN Red List and their loss can lead to limited dispersal for at least 86 plant species. I suggest ensuring the protection of the important seed dispersers identified in this paper, irrespective of their conservation status, to prevent further biodiversity loss. The review reveals that plant–animal interactions in India are understudied and a major knowledge gap exists with regard to seed dispersal networks within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a two-year study in New Mexico, USA, to determine the role of birds, lagomorphs, mesocarnivores, and porcupines in one-seed juniper (J. monosperma (Englem.) Sarg.) seed dispersal. We established random plots: (1) around cone-bearing juniper trees in the woodland; (2) around non-cone-bearing juniper trees in the woodland; (3) in woodland/grassland transition zones; and in (4) grassland habitats near juniper woodlands. We estimated seed density and tallied the number of plots with seeds deposited by each disperser group. Birds deposited the highest number of seeds/ha under the canopy of cone-bearing trees. Mesocarnivores were responsible for the highest average seed deposition in all other habitats. In juniper cone-bearing tree habitats, birds deposited seeds in 100% of plots under-canopy and 93% of plots outside-canopy. Seeds deposited by lagomorphs were observed in plots across all sampled habitats. Overall, seed deposition was greatest around cone-bearing juniper trees, followed by non-cone-bearing juniper trees, woodland-grassland transition zones, and grassland habitats. Birds deposited seeds primarily under cone-bearing tree perch sites. Lagomorphs deposited seeds widely in relatively high numbers across all habitats and are likely responsible for the greatest number of one-seed juniper seeds deposited on the soil surface at our research site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many frugivorous birds act as seed dispersers for freshly fruited plants. Typically, one bird species has multiple plant partners, functioning as a generalist disperser. However, specific interactions also can be formed, depending on the traits of birds and plants. Our field observation from 2017 to 2019 suggested that Zosterops japonicus as frugivore prefers the fruits of Aralia elata and Zanthoxylum ailanthoides, thus dispersing the seeds locally in central Japan. In this study, we examined the factors of the preference by comparing the morphological traits among plants and observing foraging efficiency on each plant. The tree traits of the two plants were characterized by large crop size and high number of fruits that Z. japonicus can forage on a certain point of a branch (NFZ). Their fruits were also characterized by small size and high share of lipids in the edible parts. The traits of edible parts differed between the two plants; A. elata fruits had succulent pulps, whereas Z. ailanthoides fruits only contained oil composed of oleic aids. Additionally, the number of fruits per second consumed by Z. japonicus was significantly higher in the two plants than those in other plants. The foraging efficiency was enhanced by large crop size, large NFZ, small fruit size, and high lipid content of fruits. The high foraging efficiency may increase the preference of Z. japonicus for the two plants, leading to the specific interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fleshy fruits come in a diversity of colours. Some of this diversity can be attributed to unique selection pressures exerted by different types of frugivores. For example, mammals tend to consume green, yellow, orange and brown fruits, while birds normally consume red and black fruits. However, it is not yet clear whether the diversity of colours displayed within assemblages of bird-dispersed fruits can be attributed to avian colour preferences. We tested whether the reflectance properties of a fleshy fruited plant community from New Zealand predict their removal by birds. All data were collected from 10 common fleshy-fruited plant species during the austral summer (December 2018–April 2019) in a fenced forest reserve on the North Island of New Zealand. We found that fruit removal rates varied amongst plant species and frugivore preferences were not correlated with fruit conspicuousness, brightness, chroma and distinctiveness, suggesting that fruit reflectance properties are unrelated to avian frugivory in our study site. Overall, results from this study suggest that evidence for frugivore-mediated selection of fruit colour diversity may be scale dependent and needs to be investigated at higher taxonomic scales. Future studies examining other factors such as fruit abundance and fruit displays may reveal the finer mechanisms of frugivore-fruit selection [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How species persist in fragmented habitats is essential to understanding species resilience in response to increasing anthropogenic pressures. It has been suggested that expansion in dietary niche allows populations to persist in human‐modified landscapes, yet this hypothesis has been poorly tested in highly diverse ecosystems such as tropical forests where frugivory is ubiquitous. Here, we measured dietary niche expansion of a large forest‐dwelling mammal, the white‐lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, by comparing its diet using stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes. We collected hair of white‐lipped peccaries in three continuous and three fragmented forests and compared δ13C and δ15N values, resource use and isotopic niches among populations and between forest types. We also tested the relationship between isotopic values of the populations and the forest cover percentage. White‐lipped peccaries fed mainly on forest sources (C3 resources), especially in continuous forests, but 28% of the individuals in fragmented sites also incorporated C4 resources to some extent. In fragmented forests, the populations had isotopic niches from 3‐ to 3.6‐fold the size of those in continuous forests. This niche expansion was due to the consumption of food items with higher δ15N values and C4 crops. Differences among populations were larger among fragmented forests, suggesting variable site‐specific strategies to cope with habitat loss. The mean isotopic values of white‐lipped peccary populations were negatively correlated with the loss of forest cover. Some small forest fragments might still retain relatively high habitat quality, and white‐lipped peccaries might be able to capitalize on such variety of resources, shifting their diets from those observed in continuous forests. We suggest that high dietary flexibility and dietary expansion toward consumption of non‐forest resources might facilitate the persistence of large frugivores in fragmented habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of biological invasions are diverse and can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems. The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a major invasive pest of fruits, which negatively affects fruit and wine production. However, little is known about the ecological impact of this fly species on more natural ecosystems it has invaded, such as forests. In this study, we investigated the use of potential host plants by D. suzukii at 64 sites in different forest communities in Switzerland from mid-June to midOctober 2020. We examined more than 12,000 fruits for egg deposits of D. suzukii to assess its direct impact on the plants. We recorded symptoms of fruit decay after egg deposition to determine if D. suzukii attacks trigger fruit decay. In addition, we monitored the drosophilid fauna with cup traps baited with apple cider vinegar, as we expected that D. suzukii would outnumber and potentially outcompete native controphics, especially other drosophilids. Egg deposits of D. suzukii were found on the fruits of 31 of the 39 potential host plant species studied, with 18 species showing an attack rate > 50%. Overall, fruits of Cotoneaster divaricatus (96%), Atropa bella-donna (91%), Rubus fruticosus corylifolius aggr. (91%), Frangula alnus (85%) and Sambucus nigra (83%) were attacked particularly frequently, resulting also in high predicted attack probabilities that varied among forest communities. Later and longer fruiting, black fruit colour, larger fruit size and higher pulp pH all positively affected attack rates. More than 50% of the plant species showed severe symptoms of decay after egg deposition, with higher pulp sugar content leading to more severe symptoms. The high fruit attack rate observed was reflected in a high abundance and dominance of D. suzukii in trap catches, independent of forest community and elevation. Drosophila suzukii was by far the most abundant species, accounting for 86% (81,395 individuals) of all drosophilids. The abundance of D. suzukii was negatively associated with the abundance of the native drosophilids. Our results indicate that the invasive D. suzukii competes strongly with other frugivorous species and that its presence might have far-reaching ecosystem-level consequences. The rapid decay of fruits attacked by D. suzukii leads to a loss of resources and may disrupt seed-dispersal mutualisms through the reduced consumption of fruits by dispersers such as birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber extraction is often cited as detrimental to wildlife ecology. Little information, however, in particular from the Southeast Asian tropics, is available on how exactly logging affects wildlife food security. To address the gap, this paper presents the first high-resolution comparison of fruit production between logged and intact forests in lowland Borneo. In the period of 2004–2008, dry weight of fruit litter was assessed as a proxy for food security of wildlife. The pheno-phases of 1,054 trees in 14 sampling plots were monitored for 54 months. A total of 143,184 fruits from 50 tree families were collected from six sampling transects totalling 810 km in 34 months. Surprisingly, logged forest (mean = 23.3 kg ha−1, SD = 48.9) produced more fruit litter than intact forest (mean = 16.7 kg ha−1, SD = 23.3), although the difference is not significant based on Student's t test; t(66) = 0.702, p = 0.485. Pheno-phases could not be entirely explained by rainfall and temperature variables. Some evidence, however, indicates tree species composition, stand structure and sunlight exposure were likely determinants of flowering and fruit litter intensity. All things being equal, results imply selective logging if considerately practiced may increase food security for wildlife. The findings, however, should be interpreted with caution since tropical forest phenology and fruit productivity are also driven by a suite of small-scale edaphic attributes and large-scale spatio-temporal meteorological forcing. Although this research deals mainly with Borneo, the principles discussed and insights offered herein are valuable for furthering conversation around sustainable forestry in tropical Asia and elsewhere globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In temperate zones, seed-dispersal networks by migratory birds are formed on long time scale. In mid-October from 2005 to 2016, to explore the dynamics of the network structures, we examined interannual variability of fruit abundance, bird migration, and seed-dispersal networks in central Japan. For 12 years, the fruit abundance exhibited a remarkable fluctuation across years, with the number of fruiting plants and matured fruits fluctuating repeatedly every other year, leading to the periodic fluctuations. The abundance of migratory birds was also fluctuated. According to the abundance of fruits and migratory birds, the 12 years was classified into three types: frugivores and fruits were abundant, frugivores were abundant but fruits were scarce, and frugivores were scarce. The seed-dispersal networks were investigated by collecting faeces and vomits of migrants. Of the 6652 samples collected from 15 bird species, 1671 (25.1%) included seeds from 60 plant species. Main dispersers were composed of Turdus pallidus, T. obscurus, and Zosterops japonicus. The network structures were almost nested for 12 years. Specifically, the nested structure was developed in years when fruit abundance was low. GLM analyses showed the abundance of migrants, particularly T. pallidus and T. obscurus, had strong positive effects on nested structure. It may be caused by the fact the two Turdus species were more frequently functioning as generalist dispersers when fruit abundance was lower. Our study suggested fruit abundance and foraging behaviour of frugivores determine the network structures of seed dispersal on long time scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike most animals, most bats cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously. Consequently, this vitamin must be obtained from the diet. Among the bat species, there are several food groups, such as frugivorous, nectarivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. In this work, we measured and compared vitamin C levels in different organs of four species of bats, all collected in southern Brazil. When analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four bat species, (regardless of the organ), no significant differences were observed. However, when analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four organs (regardless of the species), significant differences were observed, with the highest concentrations in the heart, followed by the liver and brain, while the lowest concentration was measured in the kidneys. Additional differences in the levels of Vitamin C were only observed when each organ was analyzed according to the species/diet. These results indicate a high degree of metabolic homeostasis in bats despite the marked difference in the type of diet.

Seed dispersal is a key process affecting the structure, composition and spatial dynamics of plant populations. Numerous plant species in the tropics rely upon animals to disperse their seeds. Humans have altered mammalian movements, which will likely affect seed dispersal distances (SDD). Altered SDD may have a range of consequences for plant communities including reduced seedling recruitment and plant biomass, seed trait homogenization, altered gene flow and a reduced capacity to respond to environmental changes. Therefore, modelling the consequences of altered animal behaviour on ecosystem processes is important for predicting how ecosystems will respond to human impacts. While previous research has focused on the link between animal species extirpation and SDD, it remains unclear how changes in mammalian movement will impact SDD. Here we implemented a mechanistic modelling approach to examine how mammalian movement reductions impact SDD in the tropics. We combined allometric theory with a mechanistic seed dispersal model to estimate SDD via the movement of 37 large frugivorous mammals (> 10 kg) in the tropics under different levels of human footprint, a global proxy of direct and indirect human disturbances. Our results suggest that assemblage‐level SDD reductions are estimated to be up to 80% across the tropics in response to human disturbance. This is particularly the case in areas with high human impact such as agricultural landscapes and suburban areas. The region with the largest reductions in SDD was the Asia‐Pacific with average reductions of 25%, followed by Central–South America (16%) and then Africa (15%). Our study provides insights into how human‐induced changes in movement behaviour of large mammals could translate into altered ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several hypotheses explain how sensory, anatomical and physiological constraints drive fruit preference in frugivores. Optimal diet theory (ODT) states that frugivores make decisions based on the energy contained in food. In contrast, geometry of nutrition (GN) states that animals balance their macronutrient intake instead, opting for rough energy. The defence trade-off hypothesis (DTH) assumes a negative relationship between secondary compounds and fruit preference. Finally, the size-matching hypothesis (SMH) states that frugivores are more attracted to fruits that are easier to handle and consume. We tested these four hypotheses by offering paired fruit species to three fruit-eating animal species in captivity that either chew fruit in the beak or mouth ('masher': 1 bird species, 1 bat species) or swallow whole fruits ('gulper': 1 bird species), from which we built a ranking of fruit preference. We then explored the importance of 13 fruit traits in explaining fruit preference. The masher bird was the only species whose fruit preference pattern corresponded with GN. Fruit preference of the masher and gulper bird species supported DTH and SMH, while fruit preference by the bat species was not related to any analysed trait. More than one single rule governs fruit preference in different frugivore species. Fruit preferences of functionally different frugivore species are affected by particular fruit traits, which they either select or avoid. The search for specific macronutrients, while avoiding toxicity in fruits matching the anatomical limitations of frugivores, could lead to complementary foraging choices. Variability between seed disperser species in their search for easily manageable fruits allows achieving a complementary fruit diet, with preferred and avoided traits. It can be an important driver of fruit trait diversity in fleshy-fruited plant assemblages. • Fruit macronutrient content and secondary compounds influence frugivore preferences. • Fruit size also influences frugivores' ability to interact with fruits. • Frugivore species differ in their search strategies to obtain complementary diets. • Preferred and avoided traits can drive diversity of fleshy-fruited plant assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For alien invasive plant species dependent on frugivores for seed dispersal, traits that influence consumption can be important determinants of invasion and spread. However, trait comparisons between native and invasive species have documented mixed results. In Hawai'i, one of the most invaded systems in the world, nearly all frugivory, and thus seed dispersal, is dependent on non-native birds. Moreover, the majority of dispersal events also involve invasive plants, suggesting the potential for an "invasional meltdown". Here we compare fruit and seed traits between native and invasive plants and evaluate how those traits influence consumption by non-native avian frugivores. Although we found that most traits examined were similar between native and invasive fruiting species, invasive species tended to have higher fruit protein content, longer fruiting duration, were less likely to have orange fruits, and have less variable seed length. Longer fruiting duration and smaller seed size were important predictors for avian frugivore consumption. In combination, these results suggest that traits that increase probability of encounter (fruiting duration) and ability to be consumed (seed size) are more important for dispersal by frugivores than traits associated with fruit preferences and, thus, are driving the spread of invasive species and limiting dispersal of some native species. Further, we document an apparent seed size threshold for avian consumption (~ 7.0 mm), supporting previous work suggesting that large seeded species, particularly native plant species adapted for extinct large-bodied frugivores, are likely dispersal limited based on gape size limitation of the current non-native frugivore community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large ground-dwelling Neotropical gamebirds are highly threatened by habitat loss and hunting, but conservationists rarely attempt to distinguish between these two threats in the management of populations. We used three different types of species records to determine the status (i.e. persistence level) of the Endangered red-billed curassow Crax blumenbachii in 14 forest remnants in north-east Brazil, as either persistent, precarious or extirpated. We related these persistence levels to variables measured in a 2-km buffer radius, including variables associated with habitat quality (proportion of forest cover, length of rivers, patch density, distance from rivers) and hunting pressure (proportion of cacao agroforests and farmlands, length of roads, total area occupied by settlements, distance from roads and from settlements). Curassows were more persistent in forest patches located (1) more distant from settlements, (2) in landscapes with few settlements, (3) in landscapes with a high incidence of roads, (4) in a mosaic with a high proportion of forest, shaded cacao agroforest and farmland, and (5) more distant from other forest patches. Hunting pressure potentially exerts more influence on persistence than habitat quality: (1) hunting pressure submodels had a higher explanatory power than habitat quality submodels, (2) final models comprised four hunting pressure variables but only two habitat quality variables, and (3) hunting pressure variables appeared in all models whereas habitat quality variables appeared in only one final model. If hunting pressure is driving declines in curassows, regions with low human presence and a high proportion of forest cover are recommended for establishing new reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Honduran yellow-shouldered bat (Sturnira hondurensisGoodwin, 1940) is a medium-sized Stenodermatinae with a vestigial uropatagium and no tail; it typically has reddish or yellowish patches on the shoulders. It is found in temperate habitats from Mexico to northern Nicaragua, and it is one of 24 described species of the genus Sturnira. S. hondurensis is considered a common species and is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Nevertheless, it primarily depends on the preservation of native and continuous forest, so maintaining the connectivity of vegetation patches and the availability of food in modified landscapes are strategies for the preservation of S. hondurensis and the ecosystem services that it provides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We characterized the diet and foraging ecology of the black‐and‐white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), a specialized frugivore, and investigated behavioral strategies exhibited in response to seasonal changes in resource availability. Materials and Methods: Behavioral data were collected from the same two adjacent communities across 29 months during two observation periods (2007–2008; 2017–2018) in Mangevo, a primary rainforest habitat in southeastern Madagascar. To analyze feeding in the context of energy maximization versus time minimization strategies, we used nonparametric tests to compare plant part constituents, dietary diversity, activity budgets, and canopy strata use between fruit‐abundant versus fruit‐lean seasons. Results: Individuals dedicated ~30% of their time to feeding year‐round, mostly in the middle canopy (11–20 m). Animals fed primarily on fruits (74% of diet), but frugivory decreased and folivory increased markedly during fruit‐lean seasons. Abundant season dietary diversity (98 taxa, H′ = 0.71–1.37) was greater than lean season diversity (70 taxa, H′ = 0.56–1.06), which coincided with less traveling, more resting, and higher canopy use—though interannual variation was observed. Conclusions: Herein, we describe behavioral and dietary patterns that are concordant with a time minimizing behavioral strategy. Black‐and‐white ruffed lemur diets comprised lower taxonomic diversity, fewer fruits, and more leaves during fruit‐lean months. Further, shifts toward less travel, more resting, and greater use of higher canopy levels during this time were most likely for thermoregulatory benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ficus L., commonly known as Fig plays an important role in the forest ecosystem, being a keystone species. Taxonomic revision, habitat assessment, and floristic study of the genus Ficus of northeastern region are scanty and still lacking. As the genus is rich in diversity, this region possesses tremendous scope for utilisation of its members, as many species belonging to this genus carry good properties for diverse uses for the benefit of mankind. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken for identification of the collected taxa, diversity assessment of the wild as well as planted species, distribution throughout the state and preparation of a comprehensive checklist along with measures of diverse functions and ecological role of the genus Ficus in Tripura, North-East India. Field survey was conducted between April 2017–August 2018 throughout Tripura and all the locations were marked with GPS which is given in the present distribution map of Ficus in Tripura. This study is based on extensive field survey and specimen collection. Key taxonomic description, both accepted and vernacular names, phenology, and diverse habitat function of all species have been provided. Based on the available literatures, distribution information of the present records were calculated. Evaluation of diverse ecological role were scored based on the published literature and field observations. In the present study, 23 taxa of Ficus have been reported from the study area including four new distribution records. Most of the Ficus species recorded in this study were from moist mixed deciduous and secondary forests. Out of 23 species of Ficus recorded in the present study, seven (7) species belong to evergreen small tree to shrub (F. benghalensis, F. drupacea, F. elastica, F. microcarpa, F. racemosa, F. sarmentosa and F. semicordata); three (3) species recorded are large deciduous tree (F. racemosa, F. religiosa and F. rumphii). Fleshy fruited trees are the most preferable option for survival of frugivores over diverse habitats and thus, plays major role for entire ecosystem restoration. The present work will be useful to understand the critical interactions between plants and frugivore at different trophic levels. Further, Ficus groups tend to have multiple ecological roles, and as a result there exists huge scope to understand the mechanisms of plant functional traits for conservation of threatened frugivore diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species composition of local communities varies in space, and its similarity generally decreases with increasing geographic distance between communities, a phenomenon known as distance decay of similarity. It is, however, not known how changes in local species composition affect ecological processes, that is, whether they lead to differences in the local composition of species' functional roles. We studied eight seed‐dispersal networks along the South American Andes and compared them with regard to their species composition and their composition of functional roles. We tested (1) if changes in bird species composition lead to changes in the composition of bird functional roles, and (2) if the similarity in species composition and functional‐role composition decreased with increasing geographic distance between the networks. We also used cluster analysis to (3) identify bird species with similar roles across all networks based on the similarity in the plants they consume, (i) considering only the species identity of the plants and (ii) considering the functional traits of the plants. Despite strong changes in species composition, the networks along the Andes showed similar composition of functional roles. (1) Changes in species composition generally did not lead to changes in the composition of functional roles. (2) Similarity in species composition, but not functional‐role composition, decreased with increasing geographic distance between the networks. (3) The cluster analysis considering the functional traits of plants identified bird species with similar functional roles across all networks. The similarity in functional roles despite the high species turnover suggests that the ecological process of seed dispersal is organized similarly along the Andes, with similar functional roles fulfilled locally by different sets of species. The high species turnover, relative to functional turnover, also indicates that a large number of bird species are needed to maintain the seed‐dispersal process along the Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The little yellow-shouldered Mesoamerican bat, Sturnira parvidensGoldman, 1917, is a medium-sized yellow-shouldered bat with no tail, a vestigial uropatagium, and reddish or yellowish patches on the shoulders. It lives in tropical habitats associated with lower and mid-elevations from northern Costa Rica to Mexico, and it is one of 24 described species in the genus Sturnira. Although S. parvidens is more common in disturbed areas because it mainly feeds on pioneer plants, it uses day roosts located in mature forest or in areas with advanced successional stages. It is an abundant species and is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies of species assemblages of fruit bats in the Philippines have focused on primary and disturbed habitats as the point of comparison. No studies to date have been conducted on assemblages of fruit bats within primary lowland forest vegetation types. This study aimed to determine the fruit bat assemblage in dipterocarp, mangrove and lowland ultramafic forest and their association with these vegetation types. We hypothesize that difference in the diversity and abundance of fruit-producing plants in these habitat types would influence the abundance and diversity of bats. The study was conducted in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Philippines from April to October 2017. Eleven species of fruit bats were captured during the study, in order of decreasing abundance: Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Ptenochirus jagori, Cynopterus brachyotis, Macroglossus minimus, Haplonycteris fischeri, Eonycteris robusta, Desmalopex leucopterus, Eonycteris spelaea, Pteropus vampyrus, Acerodon jubatus and Pteropus hypomelanus. Species richness was highest in dipterocarp forest (11 species), and lowest in the mangrove area (seven species), but species diversity was highest in the lowland ultramafic forest. The study suggests that species diversity and abundance of fruit bats in the different lowland vegetation habitats can be linked to their diet and morphology. Frugivores were strongly associated with dipterocarp forest and lowland ultramafic forest where fruit-producing plant diversity is high. Haplonycteris fischeri, C. brachyotis and P. jagori were more abundant in the dipterocarp than in the ultramafic forest. The abundance of nectarivores varied between vegetation types. Macroglossus minimus was more abundant in the mangrove while E. robusta and R. amplexicaudatus were more abundant in the dipterocarp and ultramafic forest. The difference in plant species composition and abundance may explain the variation in frugivore and nectarivore abundance between vegetation types. No pattern could be discerned for the large flying foxes (A. jubatus, P. hypomelanus, and P. vampyrus) because of few captures in each habitat, except for D. leucopterus, which was frequently captured in lowland ultramafic forest. The low captures of flying foxes may be attributed to the difficulty of capturing high-flying bats. Further research on foraging behavior, fruit selection by bats and the role of forest structure in determining the abundance and distribution of fruit bats is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large animals provide crucial seed dispersal services, yet face continued threats and are susceptible to changes in landscape composition and configuration. Thus, there is a growing imperative to improve understanding of animal‐generated seed dispersal using models that incorporate spatial complexity in a realistic, yet tractable, way.We developed a spatially explicit agent‐based seed dispersal model, with disperser movements informed by biotelemetry data, to evaluate how landscape composition and configuration affect seed dispersal patterns. We illustrated this approach for the world's second largest ratite, the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), a highly mobile generalist frugivore considered an important long‐distance disperser for many plant species across Australia.When animal movement is unrestricted, model parameters related to seed gut passage largely determine seed dispersal kernels. However, as habitat loss and fragmentation increase, the extent of long‐distance dispersal events is reduced and seed shadows became progressively more aggregated. This effect is due to the emu not being able to move between disconnected parts of the landscape, with small changes in habitat structure causing decreased long‐distance dispersal.We simulated seed dispersal patterns generated by three commonly used generic models of animal movement – unbiased and biased correlated random walks and Lévy walks – to evaluate how different representations of movement affect estimations of animal movements and emergent seed dispersal patterns. Simulated movements informed by the emu biotelemetry data resulted in longer median seed dispersal distances than do the three generic models.Synthesis. Changes in landscape composition and configuration can dramatically alter patterns of zoochorous seed dispersal as they influence animal movement. However, when models are used to simulate the patterns of seed dispersal, decisions about how animal movement is represented also affect estimates of seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds and mammals are important seed dispersers of fleshy-fruited plants. Although their behaviors are different, they frequently consume the same species. Thus to understand the dispersal of fleshy-fruited plants, the contribution of birds and mammals to seed dispersal has to be evaluated. Besides, within birds or mammals, some species may functionally different from others. In this study, we examined seed dispersal of the fleshy-fruited tree Swida controversa focusing on the difference between two frugivore groups (birds and mammals), and differences between species within groups. Collected seeds and S. controversa trees were identified using simple sequence repeat (SSR) genotyping, thus enabling to determine the distance between mother tree and dispersed seeds. The avian species were identified by DNA barcoding of feces, whereas the mammalian species were identified by the shape and smell of feces. Most seeds that fell near or under the maternal trees were dispersed by birds, resulting in short seed dispersal distances (average, 13 m). DNA barcoding detected five taxa of avian dispersers. No differences were detected in seed dispersal distance by different avian taxa (i.e., the distance between dispersed seeds and their maternal trees within the research plot); however the rate of seed immigration from outside the research plot by some avian taxa varied significantly. The seed dispersal distance by mammals was significantly further (127 m; min > 50 m) than that by birds. Additionally, immigrated seeds accounted for approximately two-thirds of mammal-dispersed seeds, indicating that these seeds were from outside the research plot, and that mammals significantly contributed to the long-distance seed dispersal of S. controversa. No differences in seed dispersal distance were detected between different mammalian taxa. Overall, this study revealed that birds and mammals show clearly different seed dispersal patterns, and thus, they play different roles in the regeneration of S. controversa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed retention time (SRT), the time interval between seed ingestion and defaecation, is a critical parameter that determines the spatial pattern of seed dispersal created by an animal, and is therefore, an essential component of trait‐based modelling of seed dispersal functions. However, no simple predictive model of SRT for any given animal exists. We explored the linkage between animal traits and SRT. We collected previously published data on mean SRT for 112 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fishes and investigated the general allometric scaling of mean SRT with body mass for each taxon. Moreover, we analysed the effects of food habit and digestive strategy on mean SRT for birds and mammals. In general, mean SRT increased with body mass in all four taxa, whereas the pattern of allometric scaling varied greatly among the taxa. Birds had a smaller intercept and larger slope than those of mammals, whereas reptiles had a much larger intercept and smaller slope than those of either birds or mammals. For birds, food habit was also detected as an important factor affecting SRT. We applied the allometric scaling that was obtained for birds to estimate mean SRT of extinct Mesozoic dinosaurs (Theropoda) – few of which are assumed to have acted as seed dispersers. SRT for large carnivorous theropods was estimated to be 4–5 days, when considering only body mass. The present study provides allometric scaling parameters of mean SRT for a variety of seed‐dispersing animals, and highlights large variations in scaling among taxa. The allometric scaling obtained could be a critical component of further trait‐based modelling of seed dispersal functions. Further, the potential and limitations of the scaling of animal SRT with body mass and a future pathway to the development of trait‐based modelling are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-lipped peccaries (WLPs; Tayassu pecari, Tayassuidae, Cetartiodactyla) are forest-dwelling ungulates critical to maintaining healthy Neotropical forest ecosystems through key aspects of their dietary behaviors, including seed predation and dispersal. Land-use change and deforestation threaten WLP access to food resources, and thus knowledge of how WLP diet varies spatially is necessary to frame conservation efforts for the species. Here, we use stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes from WLP hair and food resources to assess whether WLP diet varies among four regions in three Brazilian biomes: the Pantanal, the Cerrado, and the Atlantic Forest (semi-deciduous and ombrophilous), each varying in forest canopy cover, climatic characteristics, and degrees of agricultural impacts. We find that in all regions WLPs are consuming primarily C3 resources, with mean δ13C values ranging from −28.7‰ to −26.9‰. In the heavily fragmented semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest, δ13C values are the highest, and may indicate that some individuals are consuming a small amount of C4 crops or demonstrating increased levels of insectivory. A through-time comparison of WLP hair in the semi-deciduous Atlantic Forest suggests the recorded slight departure from an exclusive C3 diet may be a recent phenomenon, as hairs collected prior to the year 2000 have lower δ13C values than those collected in 2016. While some individual WLPs may slightly alter diet in heavily anthropogenically modified areas, C4 crops are not a main component of WLP diet. Our results suggest that WLPs are still highly dependent on forest resources, even in human-altered landscapes, and conservation and management plans for the species must consider these dietary needs in order to be successful. Queixadas (Tayassu pecari, Tayassuidae, Certartiodactyla) são ungulados florestais essenciais na manutenção das florestas Neotropicais, dado que sua dieta e comportamento de forrageio afetam a dispersão e predação de sementes e plântulas. A ocupação do solo e o desmatamento ameaçam populações de queixada e seu acesso a fontes de alimento. Dessa forma, informações mais detalhadas sobre a variação espacial da dieta de queixadas são importantes para guiar planos de conservação da espécie. No presente estudo, utilizamos isótopos estáveis de carbono (δ13C) e nitrogênio (δ15N) provenientes de amostras de pêlo de queixada e de recursos alimentares obtidos nas mesmas localidades para avaliar como a dieta de queixadas varia em quatro regiões de três biomas brasileiros: Mata Atlântica (ombrófila e semi-decídua), Cerrado e Pantanal, cada um representando valores distintos dentro de um gradiente de cobertura vegetal, características climáticas e graus de impacto antrópico. Nossos resultados revelam que, em todas regiões e biomas amostrados, queixadas consomem essencialmente recursos provenientes de plantas C3, com valores médios de δ13C variando de −28.7‰ a −26.9‰. Na Mata Atlântica semi-decídua, região mais fragmentada pela agricultura, resultados das amostras de pêlos apresentaram os valores mais altos de δ13C, indicando que alguns indivíduos podem estar consumindo pequenas quantidades de plantas C4 des plantações ou um aumento nas taxas de insetivoria. Uma análise temporal dos dados provenientes da Mata Atlântica semi-decídua sugere que o aumento nos valores de δ13C é um fenômeno recente, uma vez que os valores de δ13C de amostras de pêlos coletadas antes do ano 2000 são significativamente mais baixos do que as coletadas em 2016. Apesar desses indícios de que alguns indivíduos de queixada estejam alterando levemente sua dieta em regiões dominadas por monoculturas, estas não são o componente principal de sua dieta. Nossos resultados sugerem que queixadas ainda são altamente dependentes de recursos provenientes dos remanescentes florestais, mesmo em paisagens altamente modificadas, e planos de conservação e manejo da espécie devem considerar estas necessidades de sua dieta para que tenham sucesso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape modification represents one of the most severe threats to biodiversity from local to global scales. Conversion of forest to agricultural production generally results in patches of habitat that subdivide or isolate populations, alter the behavior of species, modify interspecific interactions, reduce biodiversity, and compromise ecosystem processes. Moreover, conversion may increase exposure of humans to zoonoses to which they would otherwise rarely be exposed. We evaluated the effects of forest conversion to agriculture, and its subsequent successional dynamics, on bat communities in a region of the Amazon that was predominantly closed-canopy rainforest. Based on a nonmanipulative experiment, we quantified differences in species composition, community structure, and taxonomic biodiversity among closed-canopy forest (bosque), agricultural lands (chacra), and secondary forest (purma) for two phyllostomid guilds (frugivores and gleaning animalivores) during the wet and dry seasons. Responses were complex and guild-specific. For frugivores, species composition (species abundance distributions) differed between all possible pairs of habitats in both wet and dry seasons. For gleaning animalivores, species composition differed between all possible pairs of habitats in the dry season, but no differences characterized the wet season. Ecological structure (rank abundance distributions) differed among habitats in guild-specific and season-specific manners. For frugivores, mean diversity, evenness, and dominance were greater in bosque than in purma; mean dominance was greater in bosque than in chacra, but local rarity was greater in chacra than in bosque, and no differences were manifest between purma and chacra. For gleaning animalivores, mean diversity and evenness were greater in bosque than in purma, but no differences were manifest between chacra and bosque, or between purma and chacra. Such results have important implications for management, conservation, and the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases. La actual modificación del paisaje, a escalas que van de lo local a lo global, es una de las amenazas más severas a la biodiversidad. De manera general, la conversión de bosques a áreas agrícolas produce parches de hábitat que subdividen o aíslan poblaciones, alteran la conducta de las especies, modifican las interacciones interespecíficas, reducen la biodiversidad y comprometen las funciones de los ecosistemas. Más aún, la transformación de estos ambientes puede incrementar la probabilidad de que las poblaciones humanas interactúen con zoonosis con las que de otra manera raramente entrarían en contacto. Evaluamos los efectos de la conversión de hábitat en comunidades de murciélagos en una región de Amazonia en la que la vegetación dominante es un bosque lluvioso de copas cerradas, y en la cual los efectos de la conversión a usos agrícolas sobre la biodiversidad, y la subsecuente dinámica sucesional, son aún poco comprendidos. Por medio de un experimento no-manipulativo, cuantificamos las diferencias en composición de especies, estructura de la comunidad y diversidad taxonómica entre bosque cerrado (bosque), áreas agrícolas (chacra) y bosque secundario (purma) para dos gremios tróficos de murciélagos filostómidos (frugívoros y forrajeadores de sustrato) durante dos temporadas (secas y lluvias). Las respuestas fueron complejas y diferentes para cada gremio. Para los frugívoros, la composición de especies (distribución de las abundancias) fue diferente para todos los posibles pares de hábitats tanto para secas como para lluvias. Para los forrajeadores de sustrato, la composición de especies difirió entre todos los posibles pares de hábitats en la temporada seca, pero no en la de lluvias. La estructura ecológica (distribuciones rango-abundancia) fue también específica para gremios y temporadas. Para los frugívoros, la diversidad promedio, equidad y dominancia fueron mayores en bosque que en purma; la dominancia promedio fue mayor en bosque que en chacra, pero la rareza local fue mayor en chacra que en bosque, y no se encontraron diferencias entre purma y chacra. Para los forrajeadores de sustrato, la diversidad promedio y la dominancia fueron mayores en bosque que en purma, pero no se detectaron diferencias entre chacra y bosque, o entre purma y chacra. Estos resultados tienen importantes implicaciones para el manejo, conservación y epidemiología de zoonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many small herbivores practice cecotrophy - the ingestion of special feces enriched in microbial protein by colonic separation mechanisms (CSM). In digesta passage experiments, secondary marker excretion peaks in feces are considered indicative of marker-reingestion via cecotrophy, but corroboration by behavioral observation was lacking so far. The paca (Cuniculus paca), a Neotropical hystricomorph rodent, produces two different kinds of feces (hard and soft) and practices cecotrophy either directly (from the anus) or indirectly (from a pile of defecated feces, mostly when hard and soft feces are defecated together). To investigate effects of diet on cecotrophy, we monitored cecotrophy behavior and digesta passage marker excretion of solute and particle markers in four adult pacas, at constant food intake, on four diets varying in protein and fiber content. Marker excretion patterns suggested a 'mucus-trap' CSM typical for hystricomorph rodents, and showed secondary peaks of a similar time lag after cecotrophy as the primary marker peak after marker feeding. However, not every cecotrophy event was followed by a secondary marker peak. On higher fiber/lower protein diets, the number of cecotrophy bouts, the duration of cecotrophy, the number of secondary marker peaks and the difference between solute and particle marker retention increased, whereas the proportion of indirect cecotrophy decreased, indicating a higher degree of digesta phase separation on these diets. Compared to hard feces, soft feces were particularly enriched in solute marker concentration. Cecotrophy depends on a CSM that varies in its efficiency with the nutrient composition of the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]