Caching territoriality and site preferences by a scatter‐hoarder drive the spatial pattern of seed dispersal and affect seedling emergence

Abstract For plants with seeds dispersed by scatter‐hoarders, decision‐making animals when caching determines the spatial pattern of seed dispersal and lays initial template for recruitment, driving regeneration many plant species. However, mechanism which animal behaviour shapes distributions in spatially complex landscapes is not well understood. We investigated territoriality site preferences to determine at different scales whether scatter‐hoarding drives distribution seedling emergence. used radio‐tracking automatic wildlife cameras monitor holm oak ( Quercus ilex ) acorn Eurasian magpies Pica pica ), who are effective scatter‐hoarders agroforestry systems. assessed effect territories, distance source, habitat, sub‐habitat, microsites material magpies. In addition, we analysed relationship between density cached acorns emerged seedlings habitats. Breeding inside their where they preferred tilled areas over plantations mostly avoided old fields. These differences habitat preference were maximized relatively short medium distances, most cached, decreased or disappeared long distances. Within tree plantations, high plant‐productivity sites low productivity ones. At finest scale, structures built animals, such as rabbit grit mounds latrines ant litter mounds, cache acorns. sites, selected uncommon materials stones cover caches. subsequent spring, emergence was positively correlated density. Synthesis . Scatter‐hoarding a hierarchical process using criteria driven preferences. Territoriality constrained habitats available caching. Magpie therefore indirectly can recruitment forest regeneration.