Can birds help restore fragmented forests and boost carbon storage? This research uses individual-based models to assess frugivore-mediated seed rain in open areas along a fragmentation gradient, revealing that large birds, which disperse seeds of late-successional species with higher carbon storage potential, are limited in landscapes with less than 40% forest cover. The study finds that this restricted movement reduces potential biomass in future forests by 38%. While small birds continue to disperse seeds, their impact is less significant for carbon storage. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining forest cover above 40% to optimize animals' contribution to restoration success. Active restoration through tree planting is necessary in highly fragmented landscapes to meet carbon and biodiversity targets, emphasizing the crucial role of frugivores in forest recovery and carbon sequestration.
Published in Nature Climate Change, this research directly addresses the journal's focus on understanding and mitigating climate change. By quantifying the role of frugivores in carbon recovery within fragmented landscapes, the study provides insights relevant to climate change mitigation strategies and forest restoration efforts, aligning with the journal's core themes.