How far do Neotropical primates disperse seeds?

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Zoology

Background:

• Seed dispersal distance (SDD) is crucial for plant regeneration.
• Vertebrate dispersers play a key role in plant community dynamics.
• Understanding SDD drivers is essential for ecological restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a predictive model for average seed dispersal distance.
• To identify key factors influencing seed dispersal by primates.
• To assess the ecological service of primates in forest regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Compiled SDD data from 26 published studies across nine primate species.
• Utilized gut transit time (TT) as a proxy for seed retention.
• Quantified movement rate and path twisting (PT) using travel path data.

Main Results:

• A simple model incorporating TT, movement rate, and PT explained 90% of SDD variation.
• Path analysis confirmed these three variables as primary drivers of SDD.
• Neotropical primate data exemplified the model's predictive power.

Conclusions:

• The developed model accurately predicts primate-mediated seed dispersal distances.
• This model can inform conservation strategies by highlighting the role of primates in forest regeneration.
• It provides a tool for assessing primate populations where detailed dispersal data are unavailable.