The seed dispersal syndrome hypothesis in ungulate-dominated landscapes.

The Seed Dispersal Syndrome Hypothesis (SDSH) posits that fruit traits predict the main dispersers interacting with plant species. Mammalian dispersers, relying heavily on olfactory cues, are expected to select dull-colored, scented, and larger fruits compared to birds. However, challenges like overabundant seed predators and context-dependency of frugivore-plant interactions complicate SDSH expectations.

Unmasking the perching effect of the pioneer Mediterranean dwarf palm Chamaerops humilis L.

Although farmlands are the most extensive terrestrial biomes, the abandonment of traditional agriculture in many parts of the world has brought opportunities and challenges for the restoration of such human-disturbed habitats. Seed arrival is a crucial necessary ecological process during plant recolonization that can be enhanced by the use of the so-called "perch plants". Little is known, however, about whether the seed arrival via frugivorous birds is affected by the spatial distribution of the perch plants in disturbed habitats.

Interspecific interactions among functionally diverse frugivores and their outcomes for plant reproduction: A new approach based on camera-trap data and tailored null models.

The study of plant-frugivore interactions is essential to understand the ecology and evolution of many plant communities. However, very little is known about how interactions among frugivores indirectly affect plant reproductive success. In this study, we examined direct interactions among vertebrate frugivores sharing the same fruit resources.

Genetic rescue by distant trees mitigates qualitative pollen limitation imposed by fine-scale spatial genetic structure.

Restricted seed dispersal frequently leads to fine-scale spatial genetic structure (i.e., FSGS) within plant populations.

The endemic Mediterranean dwarf palm boosts the recolonization of old-fields: Implications for restoration.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the recolonization of old-fields is critical to promote the recovery of the ecosystem functioning, particularly in regions where agricultural abandonment has increased in the last 60 years. Given that seed arrival and seedling survival often limit the recolonization process by woody species in many Mediterranean habitats, the 'perching' and 'nursing' effects exerted by some pioneer species could be crucial for the restoration of such abandoned lands. We examined the role of an endemic Mediterranean palm (Chamaerops humilis) on the recolonization of old-fields by woody species in southern Iberian Peninsula.

Patterns of wild carnivore attacks on humans in urban areas.

Attacks by wild carnivores on humans represent an increasing problem in urban areas across North America and their frequency is expected to rise following urban expansion towards carnivore habitats. Here, we analyzed records of carnivore attacks on humans in urban areas of the U.S.

Strong among population variation in frugivory strength by functional diverse frugivores: a 'reciprocal translocation' experiment.

Fruit-frugivore interactions are critical for the dynamics and evolution of many plant communities. The strength of the interactions between a given plant species and different frugivore guilds (e.g.

Subtle Gardeners: Inland Predators Enrich Local Topsoils and Enhance Plant Growth.

Inland vertebrate predators could enrich of nutrients the local top soils in the area surrounding their nests and dens by depositing faeces, urine, and prey remains and, thus, alter the dynamics of plant populations. Surprisingly, and in contrast with convincing evidence from coastal habitats, whether and how this phenomenon occurs in inland habitats is largely uncertain even though these habitats represent a major fraction of the earth's surface. We investigated during two consecutive breeding seasons the potential enrichment of the top-soils associated with inland ground-nesting eagle owls Bubo bubo, as well as its possible consequences in the growth of two common annual grasses in southern Spain.