Study Reveals One-Third of European Plant Species at Risk Due to Declining Seed Dispersers.
A collaborative study conducted by ecologists from the University of Coimbra, Aarhus University, and the University of Bristol has revealed alarming findings about plant species in Europe. The research indicates that around one-third of these species are at risk of population decline due to a decrease in seed dispersal activities.
Published in the journal Science, the study established a comprehensive seed dispersal network across Europe. The researchers compared this network with the population numbers of seed dispersers, aiming to understand the challenges facing plants in the region.
Many plants depend on animals to transport their seeds to various locations. This process helps reduce competition and expands the plants’ range. The research team investigated how the reduction in populations of common seed dispersers, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects, might affect plant species in Europe.
To gather data, the researchers conducted an extensive literature review on the interactions between plants and animal species that disperse seeds in Europe. They identified 592 native plant species that have co-evolved with their dispersers.
Additionally, the study uncovered 398 animal species known to disperse seeds, many of which serve multiple types of plants. This information allowed the team to compile over 5,000 pairings of plants and their respective dispersers.
Upon examining the dispersers, the researchers found that approximately one-third of these animal species are classified as threatened or in decline. This finding led them to conclude that about one-third of plant species in Europe may also be at risk of diminishing or disappearing.
The research team emphasized the need for further investigations into changes in European ecosystems as seed disperser populations continue to dwindle. They highlighted the importance of studying plant-disperser relationships, particularly focusing on rare species and conducting research in other regions of the world.
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