Forest restoration is crucial for addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. Animals, particularly frugivores, play a vital role in seed dispersal, impacting forest recovery and carbon sequestration. This study uses individual-based models to assess how frugivore-mediated seed rain varies across a fragmentation gradient in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Results show that large bird movement is limited in landscapes with less than 40% forest cover, reducing potential biomass by 38%. Maintaining forest cover above 40% is crucial for optimal animal contribution to restoration. Active restoration is needed in more fragmented landscapes to achieve carbon and biodiversity targets.

Carolina Bello, Thomas W. Crowther, Danielle Leal Ramos, Teresa Morán-López, Marco A. Pizo, Daisy H. Dent