Frugivore zoogeochemistry in tropical forest ecosystems

Recent progress in the field of zoogeochemistry (sensu Schmitz et al., 2018) has emerged which clearly demonstrates an important role for animals elemental cycling at local and landscape extents. For example, moose exclosure experiments North America (Ellis & Leroux, 2017; Pastor 1993) demonstrate that areas with browsing trampling can have much less carbon (C) nitrogen (N) form plant litter soils than where been excluded these impacts may influence spatial heterogeneity forest patches matter extents (Leroux 2020; 1997). The majority zoogeochemical studies focus on antagonistic carnivore or herbivore interactions leaving gaps our understanding other key underlying animal-ecosystem processes. Frugivory is a herbivory feed fruits produced by plants (Levey 2002). While consumption herbivores usually negative effect resource fitness, frugivores differ from because they also be biotic vectors long-distance dispersal seeds (Jordano 2007). Studies frugivore ecology focused seed consumption, germination (see synthesis Levey 2002), while ecosystem effects frugivory studied (but see Feeley Terborgh, 2005). Given are widespread both taxonomically geographically play cycles. Villar al. (2020) begin to fill gap experiment ungulate Atlantic Forest Brazil. Specifically, authors report 8-year control-exclusion (i.e. present-frugivores absent) study two largest most abundant native mammal Brazil, peccaries (family Tayassuidae) tapirs (genus Tapirus) soil N cycling. Euterpe edulis palm dominant stands as tree species region source fruit many animals. used standard methods applied large exclusion grassland boreal systems measuring total N, ammonium nitrate potential nitrification -> nitrite nitrate) mineralization organic inorganic N) rates. observed strong evidence their system. Overall, was higher presence absence When looking stocks, increased abundance. These findings pertaining stocks interpreted investigating processes stocks. rate abundance controls) but declined exclosures). Also, positively correlated controls not exclosures. results constitute some first empirical regulation micro-organisms tropical forests. investigated variation rates across sites uncover interesting landscape-level This approach particularly novel out major contribution advancing zoogeochemistry. demonstrated positive ammonium, low background N. suggest reducing landscape-scale variance this develop conceptual framework ‘fruiting lawns’ palm-frugivory interactive empirical-based foundation developing priori predictions ultimate fate (e.g. trampling, defaecation) elegantly shows (a) drivers forests, (b) mediated abundance, case fruiting trees, (c) impact patterns landscapes. paves way future work understand how diverse laid provides very useful roadmap. Most single few species, within same guild thought review 2020). modules laying inference must place broader ecological networks. endeavour would parallel community towards scaling modular theory whole food webs Borrelli 2015; Kondoh, 2008) integrating multiple types consider multilayer network exist (Hutchinson 2019; Pilosof 2017). use traits such body size feeding mode might bridge between simple scales more complex (Kato 2018; In adding above complexity we continue specific mechanisms common interaction trampling) others outcomes one type dispersal). Resolving predicting feedbacks Anthropocene. Indeed, animal management part portfolio natural solutions curb defaunation (Estes 2011), mitigate climate change (Schmitz 2018), particular, restore ecosystems (Lundgren during current UN decade restoration. I am grateful A. McLeod Meyer providing constructive feedback earlier draft commentary.