Frugivore networks on a hyperdiverse forest
Ecological interactions are critical for the maintenance and evolution of life on earth. However, in a human-impacted world, ecosystems can quickly collapse due to the loss of habitats, animal species (e.g., defaunation), and ultimately of ecological interactions.
Leading by Diego Salas from Veragua Rainforest and in partnership with other collaborators, we are investigating the animal-plant interactions involving ground-dwelling fauna and fleshy fruits on a hyperdiverse forest of the Central Caribbean of Costa Rica. We expect our information would help us to elucidate the role of small frugivores on key services such as seed dispersal, as well as the importance of understanding the dynamics of ecological interactions in order to safeguard their most critical actors. |
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