Animals are a key factor in forest recovery

Seed dispersal by wildlife

According to a new study animals play a key role in forest restoration through seed dispersal.

The researchers found that animals can rapidly restore plant diversity in damaged forests.

«The restoration of forest cover on abandoned farmland or degraded landscapes is important, but it is equally important to understand which ecological interactions are restored during recovery and how quickly they occur,» the authors write.

The analysis confirmed the crucial role of animals in forest restoration. By carrying a wide variety of seeds into deforested areas, animals facilitate the restoration of biodiversity and tree abundance.

Greatest allies in reforestation

«Animals are our greatest allies in reforestation,» said the study’s lead author, Daisy Dent. «Our study encourages a rethinking of reforestation efforts, because it is about more than just creating plant communities.»

The researchers noted that wildlife can be encouraged to establish itself in regenerating forests by reducing hobby hunting . Young, regenerating forests consist of trees dispersed by small birds. As forests aged, trees were then dispersed by larger birds.

«The presence of large areas of preserved forest near our secondary stands, combined with low hunting pressure, has allowed mammal populations to thrive,» said Dent. The study was published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society published. More on the topic Environment and Nature Conservation.