Legacy effects of seed dispersal mechanisms shape the spatial interaction network of plant species in Mediterranean forests

Seed dispersal by frugivores plays a key role in structuring and maintaining tree diversity forests. However, little is known about how the spatial legacy of seed early recruitment shapes patterns interaction network plant species mature forest communities. We analysed two fully mapped mixed Pine–Oak communities using point pattern analysis to determine (a) detailed structure intraspecific saplings adults, (b) intra- interspecific saplings, adults relative (c) richness at community level (d) whether mechanisms affect plant–plant networks ratio adult sapling neighbourhood densities used as surrogate for self-thinning. The showed general complex nested cluster structures that were similar stages, despite substantial self-thinning some dry-fruited species. was characterized positive interactions. Adults several facilitated their proximity; however, species, but not those fleshy-fruited ones, lost almost all interactions occurred stage. Besides, strength between often significantly stronger if both fleshy-fruited. At level, forests structured into multispecies clumps across life stages. Synthesis. Our analyses highlight importance assembly Particularly, animal can lead clusters associations stages Mediterranean forests, with surprisingly signatures negative suggests changes are driven subsequent self-thinning, generating footprint stage conditions long-term plants. Combining traits promising way disentangle processes underlying observed local diversity.