Tree recruitment after native frugivore extinction? A field experiment to test the impact of fruit flesh persistence in a tropical oceanic island

Abstract The loss of large frugivores leads to seed dispersal and regeneration failure numerous large-seeded trees near mother trees. Although Janzen–Connell effects are considered as the primary underlying cause, other factors remain understudied. Here, we used a field experiment test impact flesh persistence on recruitment two Sapotaceae species that lost their dispersers. In rainforest Mare Longue (Réunion), sowed 3840 seeds in four-factor design: treatment (seed cleaning; persistence), canopy closure (understory; gap), year sowing (01/2018; 11/2019) ( Labourdonnaisia calophylloides , Mimusops balata ). We also camera traps evaluate extant vertebrates. Seed was by far most influential factor: led seedling divided 3,2 average, mainly due germination or emergence. There were significant variations between species, years levels, notably behaviour invasive fauna, especially giant snails could unexpectedly restore feeding fruit flesh. Together, our results demonstrate strongly depleted importance experiments understand processes at work complex ecosystems with novel plant–animal interactions.