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Seed dispersal disruption limits tropical forest regrowth

Published Article

Global

Publication date: July 24, 2025

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Understanding links between biodiversity loss and climate change requires examining how animals shape forest carbon dynamics. This study shows that 81% of tropical trees depend on animals for seed dispersal and that declines in animal diversity and movement dramatically reduce carbon accumulation in regrowing forests. Using data from thousands of species, researchers developed a seed‑dispersal disruption index and modeled its effects across 3,026 tropical regrowth plots. Forests with minimal disruption accumulated carbon at four times the rate of those with severe disruption. Across reforestation‑suitable areas, current biodiversity losses reduce carbon potential by 57%. Because tropical regrowth forests form the planet’s largest land‑based carbon sink, continued declines in seed‑dispersing animals threaten global climate‑mitigation capacity and highlight the need to address biodiversity and climate challenges together.

Subject Tags

  • Climate mitigation
  • Forest
  • Carbon storage

Abstract

Identifying linkages between biodiversity loss and climate change is required for understanding the scope of these interconnected challenges and developing approaches to address them. One crucial yet underexplored aspect is the influence of seed-dispersing animals on forest carbon storage. Here, we show that 81% of tropical trees rely on animals for seed dispersal and that disruption of this process, due to declines in animal diversity and movement, significantly hampers the carbon accumulation potential of regrowing tropical forests. Using a synthesis of animal biodiversity, movement and seed dispersal data covering thousands of animal species, we developed an index of seed dispersal disruption and modeled its relationship to carbon accumulation observed across 3,026 tropical regrowth plots. Naturally regrowing areas with lowest seed dispersal disruption had aboveground carbon accumulation rates four times higher than those with most severe disruption. Across areas identified as locations suitable for reforestation, current levels of seed dispersal disruption yield a 57% average reduction in local carbon accumulation potential. Tropical regrowth forests currently represent the largest land-based carbon sink; ongoing animal biodiversity losses diminish their ability to recover naturally from disturbances and therefore threaten their climate mitigation potential. These results advance understanding of animal biodiversity’s impact on carbon dynamics and emphasize the need to address biodiversity loss and climate change together.

Citation

Fricke, E. C., Cook-Patton, S. C., Harvey, C. F., & Terrer, C. (2025). Seed dispersal disruption limits tropical forest regrowth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(30), e2500951122. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2500951122

TNC Authors