Article
Zoology
Hui Yao, Yanpei Bai, Yuan Chen, Haochun Chen, Wanji Yang, Xiangdong Ruan, Zuofu Xiang
Summary: Research suggests that colobine monkeys mainly disperse small seeds through potential endozoochory, especially seeds from multi-seeded fruits, which enhances plant recruitment by promoting seedling growth.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fasihah Zarifah Rozali, Kazi Mohammad Masum, Mohammad Saiful Mansor, Asyraf Mansor
Summary: The study revealed that different forest types and ecological conditions across various locations in Peninsular Malaysia significantly influenced the diversity and distribution of rattan species. Factors such as soil moisture content, soil pH, light intensity, and relative humidity were found to greatly affect the abundance and richness of rattan populations.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Shulin Wang, Fujiang Hou
Summary: In alpine grasslands of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, yak dung from both warm and cold grazing seasons contained seeds of 43 plant species, mainly perennials. Seedling density, richness, and diversity in yak dung did not differ significantly between the two grazing seasons. Small to medium-sized spherical seeds had the highest germination potential, and seed shape and size directly influenced dung seedling density, richness, and diversity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jose L. Espinar, Jordi Figuerola, Andy J. Green
Summary: This study found that waterbird endozoochory can incorporate seeds into wetland seed banks and delay germination until suitable conditions occur. This has positive impacts on long-distance dispersal and establishment of new populations in wetland plants.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
L. Laber, C. Eichberg, A. Zimmerbeutel, R. A. Duering, T. W. Donath
Summary: Macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics have significant effects on seed germination, altering germination percentage and mean germination time, with specific effects varying between species and pharmaceuticals.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kahoko Tochigi, Sam M. J. G. Steyaert, Tomoko Naganuma, Koji Yamazaki, Shinsuke Koike
Summary: This research aimed to assess the quantitative and qualitative aspects of a mammalian endo-zoochorous seed dispersal network in a temperate forest ecosystem and identify the seasonal dispersal niche of each member of the assemblage. The study found differences and seasonality among dispersers, seed abundance and deposition sites, indicating the potential redundancy and complementary roles of different mammal species in the seed dispersal network. The structure of the networks showed specialization and modularity compared to random networks.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Nohemi Huanca Nunez, Robin L. Chazdon, Sabrina E. Russo
Summary: Seed-rain-successional feedbacks play a deterministic role in shaping successional trajectories in secondary wet forests, with increasing strength as the forest ages. The composition of seed rain becomes more similar to that of mature forests as successional niches and seed-rain-successional feedbacks shape successional trajectories.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Seung-Kyung Lee, Youngil Ryu, Eun Ju Lee
Summary: Endozoochorous seed dispersal by ungulates can facilitate long-distance seed dispersal and result in ecological filtering of plant species. Korean water deer is a potential vector for long-distance seed dispersal in lowland areas of South Korea. The study found that the seed traits dispersed by Korean water deer through endozoochory are consistent with those of lowland areas.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Isabela Maria Souza Silva, Geangelo Petene Calvi, Carol C. Baskin, Gisele Rodrigues dos Santos, Niwton Leal-Filho, Isolde Dorothea Kossmann Ferraz
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of increased temperatures on seed germination success in the soil seed bank of secondary forests in Central Amazonia. Results showed that temperature increase affects germination and seedling density, and some species have specific sensitivities to temperature. The study suggests that natural regeneration in the region may be significantly impacted by global warming, potentially leading to changes in floristic composition.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Jessica Rocha Ferreira, Jhonathan de Oliveira Silva, Bianca Santana Dias Nascimento, Uriel de Jesus Araujo Pinto, Priscyla Maria Silva Rodrigues
Summary: Seed predation is a major event for palms that affects seedling recruitment and economic value. In this study, variations in the palm tree Syagrus coronata were investigated in habitats with different management intensities. The study found that habitats with natural vegetation supported a higher density of adult licuri individuals and woody plants, as well as lower fruiting synchrony and higher seed predation. Seed predation was positively affected by total licuri abundance and tree richness, and negatively affected by micro-habitat licuri fruiting abundance.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Adrielle Leal, Maira Benchimol, Deborah Faria, Pavel Dodonov, Eliana Cazetta
Summary: Human activities have caused drastic changes in the landscapes where tropical forests stand, impacting the survival of E. edulis. Forest cover has been identified as the key predictor affecting its demographic structure across different ontogenetic stages, highlighting the importance of maintaining and restoring forest areas to ensure the persistence of this endangered palm species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Isabela Botelho Cardoso, Marina do Vale Beirao, Pablo Cuevas-Reyes, Yurixhi Maldonado-Lopez, Joan Sebastian Aguilar-Peralta, Patricia de Abreu Moreira
Summary: The study found that habitat disturbance has a negative impact on plant fitness, leading to decreased seed nutritional quality, germination percentage, and increased germination time. However, there were differences in the growth of seedlings (such as root dry weight and total dry weight) produced from seeds in different areas.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Matthew J. Quin, John W. Morgan, Nicholas P. Murphy
Summary: Understanding the dietary composition and seed dispersal capability of introduced sambar deer in Australian ecosystems is crucial for managing the spread of exotic plant species and protecting native plant species. This study utilized DNA sequencing and germination trials to investigate the impact of sambar deer on different environments. The results showed that sambar deer primarily consume native plant species, but have a higher potential for dispersing exotic plant species in alpine ecosystems. Managing native plant species and vegetation communities of conservation significance, as well as implementing measures to control sambar deer browsing, should be a high priority.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yao Huang, Hongyue Cai, Shuguang Jian, Jun Wang, Johannes Kollmann, Dafeng Hui, Lei Zhang, Hongfang Lu, Hai Ren
Summary: Human disturbance affects the community structure and spatial distribution of forest soil seed banks on coral islands, increasing the diversity, richness, and density of seed banks as well as the richness of invasive species. Human disturbance alters the dispersal pattern of seeds, limiting the outward dispersal of resident species and promoting the inward dispersal of invasive species. Soil properties, plant characteristics, and human disturbance explain 23-45% of the spatial variation of forest soil seed banks on coral islands, with human disturbance reducing the correlations between plant communities and soil factors while increasing the correlations with landscape heterogeneity, road distance, and shrub and litter cover.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biology
Julia G. Casorso, Allegra N. DePasquale, Suheidy Romero Morales, Saul Cheves Hernandez, Ronald Lopez Navarro, Kimberley J. Hockings, Matthew A. Carrigan, Amanda D. Melin
Summary: Studying fruit traits and their interactions with seed dispersers can help us understand biodiversity patterns, ecosystem function, and evolution. Fruit ethanol is common and variable, and may influence seed dispersers. In this study, we investigated fruit ethanol content in a Costa Rican tropical dry forest and found that phylogeny and seed dispersal syndrome explain variation in ethanol levels, with mammal-dispersed fruits having higher ethanol concentrations than bird-dispersed fruits. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of fruit ethanol as a selective pressure on frugivore sensory systems and metabolism.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Arian D. Wallach, Daniel Ramp, Ana Benitez-Lopez, Eamonn I. F. Wooster, Scott Carroll, Alexandra J. R. Carthey, Erin I. E. Rogers, Owen Middleton, Kyle J. A. Zawada, Jens-Christian Svenning, Ella Avidor, Erick Lundgren
Summary: The prey naivety hypothesis suggests that introduced predators are more successful at hunting prey because prey species haven't had enough time and generations to develop avoidance responses. However, a global meta-analysis of small mammal responses to the scent of mesopredators found no significant difference in wariness between native and introduced predators. Phylogenetic and functional distance between predators had no effect on wariness, and prey wariness was only associated with predator-prey body mass ratio. Animals do not seem to recognize whether their predators are native.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emil Ellegaard Thomassen, Eva Egelyng Sigsgaard, Mads Reinholdt Jensen, Kent Olsen, Morten D. D. Hansen, Jens-Christian Svenning, Philip Francis Thomsen
Summary: Trophic rewilding has been increasingly used in restoration efforts to reintroduce large-bodied mammals and promote biodiverse ecosystems. However, empirical evidence on the effects of megafauna introductions on other organisms and the mechanisms involved is still limited. This study used environmental DNA analysis of dung from feral cattle and horses to assess seasonal variations in their plant diet and dung-associated invertebrates. The results showed differences in diet and invertebrate communities between the two herbivores, demonstrating their complementary effects on vegetation and biodiversity. These findings are important for decision-making in rewilding projects.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Varangrat Nguanchoo, Henrik Balslev, Nicholas J. Sadgrove, Methee Phumthum
Summary: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now more prevalent in remote regions, whereas they used to be more common in middle-class to wealthy societies. The increasing prevalence and severity of NCDs have created a greater demand for medical innovation. Studying the traditional medicines used by local Thai people in remote communities could provide new insights and potential treatments for NCDs.
Article
Environmental Studies
Peta Brom, Kristine Engemann, Christina Breed, Maya Pasgaard, Titilope Onaolapo, Jens-Christian Svenning
Summary: This paper presents a method that utilizes remote sensing, GIS modeling, and stakeholder engagement to create a decision support tool for communicating the availability and need for green infrastructure benefits. The case study conducted in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, shows that this method can provide oversight on multiple objectives for green infrastructure and has implications for urban planning practice.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Susanne Marieke Vogel, Divya Vasudev, Joseph O. Ogutu, Purity Taek, Emilio Berti, Varun R. Goswami, Michael Kaelo, Robert Buitenwerf, Michael Munk, Wang Li, Jake Wall, Desalegn Chala, Irene Amoke, Alice Odingo, Jens -Christian Svenning
Summary: The persistence of species in the Anthropocene is dependent on human willingness to coexist with them, which is often overlooked in habitat suitability or conservation priority assessments. This study proposes a framework that integrates human willingness-to-coexist with habitat suitability assessments to assess the sustainable coexistence potential of species. Using elephants and rhinos in the Maasai Mara socio-ecological system in Kenya as a case study, the study demonstrates the applicability of the framework by integrating peoples' willingness-to-coexist from household interviews with habitat suitability mapping. The framework highlights areas that require more effort to increase positive stakeholder engagement for the long-term persistence of large herbivores in human-dominated landscapes.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Veronika Kalusova, Milan Chytry, Martin Vecera, Jens-Christian Svenning, Idoia Biurrun, Katerina Kintrova, Emiliano Agrillo, Emanuela Carli, Klaus Ecker, Emmanuel Garbolino, Maria Sibikova, Urban Silc, Irena Axmanova
Summary: Human-assisted introduction of alien plants is causing ecosystem transformations worldwide and is considered a threat to biodiversity. We conducted a European assessment of invasion levels in heathlands and scrub, identifying successful alien plants and invasion trends. Among the studied plots, we found that neophytes of non-European origin were prevalent, with the most common ones being Prunus serotina, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Quercus rubra. The levels of invasion varied among habitats and biogeographical regions, with the most invaded habitat being Macaronesian lowland scrub.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Review
Biology
Shuqing N. Teng, Jens-Christian Svenning, Chi Xu
Summary: The decline of large-sized animals and trees due to human activities has led to downsized ecosystems globally. However, restoration projects to promote ecological processes have received little attention in East Asia. In China, the disappearance of megafaunal species during the Late Pleistocene and the depletion of large-sized herbivores due to agricultural expansion have greatly affected ecosystems. The loss of megaherbivores has also compromised seed dispersal and resulted in the decline of large timber trees.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liang Zhang, Haijun Wang, Joern Gessner, Leonardo Congiu, Tim J. Haxton, Erik Jeppesen, Jens-Christian Svenning, Ping Xie
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Rowan Dunn-Capper, Martin Quaas, Christopher J. J. Sandom, Jens-Christian Svenning, Henrique M. M. Pereira
Summary: As we enter the United Nations' Decade of Restoration, we are faced with two challenges: the need for scaling up restoration efforts due to past global failures, and the changing focus on functional and dynamic restoration goals. Rewilding, an emerging ecological restoration strategy, provides a promising avenue for restoration funding in Europe by restoring self-sustaining complex ecosystems with minimal human interference. However, the unique characteristics of rewilding may pose challenges when accessing existing funding streams, necessitating modifications to better suit rewilding's special needs.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Henriette. T. Horsdal, Marianne. G. Pedersen, Jorg Schullehner, Cecilie S. Ostergaard, John J. Mcgrath, Esben Agerbo, Allan Timmermann, Ane Marie Closter, Jorgen Brandt, Jesper H. Christensen, Lise M. Frohn, Camilla Geels, Matthias Ketzel, Jibran Khan, Pia Orby, Yulia Olsen, Gregor Levin, Jens-Christian Svenning, Kristine Engemann, Steen Gyldenkaerne, Birgitte Hansen, Ole Hertel, Clive E. Sabel, Christian Erikstrup, Torben Sigsgaard, Carsten B. Pedersen
Summary: The aim of this study is to provide an overview of nationwide environmental data in Denmark and its potential linkage to individual-level records to promote research on the impact of the local environment on human health. Researchers in Denmark can conduct large population-based studies using nationally complete population and health registries. Linking environmental data to individuals enables new possibilities for studying the health effects of the social, built, and physical environment.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephan Kambach, Francesco Maria Sabatini, Fabio Attorre, Idoia Biurrun, Gerhard Boenisch, Gianmaria Bonari, Andraz Carni, Maria Laura Carranza, Alessandro Chiarucci, Milan Chytry, Juergen Dengler, Emmanuel Garbolino, Valentin Golub, Behluel Gueler, Ute Jandt, Jan Jansen, Anni Jaskova, Borja Jimenez-Alfaro, Dirk Nikolaus Karger, Jens Kattge, Ilona Knollova, Gabriele Midolo, Jesper Erenskjold Moeslund, Remigiusz Pielech, Valerijus Rasomavicius, Solvita Rusina, Jozef Sibik, Zvjezdana Stancic, Angela Stanisci, Jens-Christian Svenning, Sergey Yamalov, Niklaus E. Zimmermann, Helge Bruelheide
Summary: Ecological theory predicts a close relationship between macroclimate and functional traits, but global climatic gradients only weakly correlate with local plant communities' trait composition, suggesting the importance of factors that have been ignored. This study investigates the consistency of climate-trait relationships across European habitats and finds that the predictive power of climate increases with more narrowly defined habitats for certain functional traits, emphasizing the need to consider habitat definition in future predictions of climatic effects on plant communities.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oswald J. Schmitz, Magnus Sylven, Trisha B. Atwood, Elisabeth S. Bakker, Fabio Berzaghi, Jedediah F. Brodie, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Andrew B. Tilker, Shawn J. Leroux, Frans J. Schepers, Felisa A. Smith, Sari Stark, Jens-Christian Svenning, Andrew B. Tilker, Henni Ylanne
Summary: The authors argue for the importance of including animals in natural climate solutions, as the restoration and conservation of wild animals and their functional roles can enhance natural carbon capture and storage. They believe that this approach can contribute to preventing climate warming beyond 1.5 degrees C. However, they point out that the current understanding undervalues the role animals play in controlling the carbon cycle.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosemberg Fernandes Menezes, Jens-Christian Svenning, Hui Fu, Luc De Meester, Torben Linding Lauridsen, Martin Sondergaard, Jose Maria Conde-Porcuna, Erik Jeppesen
Summary: The beta diversity of lakes is influenced by natural factors, dispersal constraints, and human disturbances. Fish beta diversity tends to increase towards lower latitudes and is higher in less disturbed lakes at a local scale. However, environmental disturbances can impact these patterns due to community homogenization or heterogenization. Factors such as geographic distance and climate variability are the main drivers of fish community change across latitude, but the rate of change varies between lake types. Local factors like turbidity, lake size, and presence of exotic species also have varying effects on beta diversity across regions.
Article
Ecology
Fangfang Ma, Yingjie Yan, Jens-Christian Svenning, Quan Quan, Jinlong Peng, Ruiyang Zhang, Jinsong Wang, Dashuan Tian, Qingping Zhou, Shuli Niu
Summary: Climate warming has profound effects on plant community structure and ecosystem functioning, especially in the face of extreme drought. The study found that warming decreases the resistance and recovery of aboveground net primary productivity but increases the resistance and recovery of belowground net primary productivity and overall net primary productivity. The stability of dominant species is identified as a key predictor of ecosystem functional resistance and recovery.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rhys Taylor Lemoine, Robert Buitenwerf, Jens-Christian Svenning
Summary: In the past 120,000 years, the Earth has experienced a significant loss of large mammal species due to climate change and human hunting activities, with the latter being the dominant factor. This extinction has had a profound impact on global vegetation structure, plant dispersal, nutrient cycling, and co-dependent biota.
