Trait‐associated loss of frugivores in fragmented forest does not affect seed removal rates

摘要: Summary Seed dispersal by frugivorous animals forms the basis for regeneration of numerous plant species. Habitat fragmentation has been found to be one major factor perturbing frugivore communities and dependent Yet, community-wide consequences both are still hardly understood. Here, we studied effects habitat on seed removal birds mammals from nine fleshy-fruited species in Bialowieza Forest (Eastern Poland). This last relict old-growth lowland forest Europe poses an exceptional reference site studying impact processes temperate ecosystems. In particular, (i) tested associations between response traits frugivores, that is specialization body mass; (ii) relationship effect traits, centrality (number consumed species) interaction type (mutualistic vs. antagonistic); (iii) assessed feedback fragmentation-induced changes plant–frugivore interactions rates. We led shifts community, associated with mass, fewer specialists large-bodied frugivores fragmented than continuous forests. However, generalists small-bodied were more central frugivores. Therefore, loss vulnerable did not result reduced rates compared forest. Synthesis. These results indicate may relatively robust spite community fragments. The correlation highlights importance maintaining forests regions. future studies should aim at quantifying disperser other aspects dispersal, such as long-distance spatial patterns deposition, germination regeneration.