Seed dispersal by frugivores from forest remnants promotes the regeneration of adjacent invaded forests in an oceanic island

Forest remnants often act as refuges for native plant species within a degraded and highly fragmented forest matrix. Understanding whether these patches can function feeding grounds frugivores seed sources dispersal into the surrounding provide critical information on ecosystem functions landscape scale guidance restoration. We used large-scale natural system of eight granitic inselbergs in Seychelles recorded identity transport direction seeds retrieved from droppings mist-netted birds across an invasion gradient. found that inselberg are important areas frugivores, acting source propagules to invaded forests potentially limiting progression non-native invasion. Two dominant (Cinnamomum verum Clidemia hirta) were integrated frugivores' diets, competing with plants services. Despite high propagule pressure, spill-over effect seemed have more durable positive recruitment fading out distance edge. Our findings illustrate remnant generate through directed by frugivores. This cross-boundary may slow down contribute recovery adjacent ecosystems. avian therefore play key role maintenance biodiversity insurance future restoration efforts.