Seed dispersal by Neotropical bats in human-disturbed landscapes
André Luis Regolin
A B F , Renata L. Muylaert A E , Ana Cristina Crestani C , Wesley Dáttilo D and Milton Cezar Ribeiro A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University – UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Department of Biodiversity, Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab (LEEC), Avenida 24 A, 1515, Jardim Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, CEP 13506900, Brazil.
B Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Wagar Building, CSU Main Campus, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
C Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University – UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Department of Biodiversity, Birds Ecology Lab (LECAVE), Avenida 24 A, 1515, Jardim Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, CEP 13506900, Brazil.
D Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología AC, A Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa-Enríquez, CP 91070, Veracruz, Mexico.
E Present address: Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
F Corresponding author. Email: andreregolin@gmail.com
Wildlife Research - https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19138
Submitted: 13 August 2019 Accepted: 7 May 2020 Published online: 5 August 2020
Abstract
In human-modified landscapes, where large bird and mammal species are often functionally extinct, bats are the main seed dispersers. However, the role of seed dispersal by bats for the maintenance of habitat dynamics in fragmented landscapes is still not understood, with information lacking on landscape-level effects of plant–bat interactions. We present some key topics related to spatial ecology of bats and discuss the potential influence of habitat fragmentation on several aspects of seed dispersal by Neotropical bats. We suggest that future studies need to evaluate bat–plant networks along habitat-loss and fragmentation gradients at the landscape level, including changes in land-cover types and habitat structural complexity, going beyond patch-based analysis. By advancing on the comprehension of ecosystem functioning in fragmented landscapes, we will better understand the bat-modulated seed-dispersal process, supporting regeneration and restoration programs that benefit from bat-based functions.
Additional keywords: Chiroptera, ecological networks, ecosystem services, gradients, habitat loss, restoration, tropical ecology.
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