Study finds that without fruit-eating birds, tropical forests struggle to naturally recover

New Research on Wild Birds and Carbon Storage in Tropical Forests

New research from the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich highlights a significant obstacle to the natural regeneration of tropical forests. Ground-based data collected in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil shows that when wild tropical birds are able to freely move across forest landscapes, they can boost the carbon storage of regenerating tropical forests by as much as 38%.

Role of Fruit-Eating Birds in Forest Ecosystems

Fruit-eating birds like the Red-Legged Honeycreeper, Palm Tanager, and Rufous-Bellied Thrush play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. By consuming fruits, digesting them, and spreading seeds as they move through forested areas, these birds contribute to the dispersal of tree species critical for forest growth and function.

Importance of Animal Seed Dispersal

Between 70% to 90% of tree species in tropical forests rely on animal seed dispersal for their propagation. This initial process is essential for the establishment and development of forests. While previous studies have emphasized the importance of birds in maintaining forest biodiversity, researchers at the Crowther Lab now have a quantitative understanding of how these avian frugivores contribute to forest restoration.

Impact of Fragmentation on Carbon Storage

The recent study published in Nature Climate Change underscores the significant contribution of wild birds to forest regeneration. By examining the carbon storage potential in landscapes with varying degrees of fragmentation, researchers found that highly fragmented landscapes hinder the movement of birds, leading to a reduction of up to 38% in the potential for carbon recovery.