Studying seed dispersal through the lens of movement ecology

Frugivore movement plays a critical role in animal-mediated seed dispersal. Frugivores utilize resources that are heterogeneously distributed in the landscape and execute complex movement to exploit these resources. Employing the 'movement ecology paradigm', we discuss the drivers behind frugivore movement, categorize movement into canonical activity modes and explore the potential impacts on seed dispersal effectiveness via removal and deposition of seeds. Among the movement drivers, frugivore physiology determines the goals, motion capacities determine how frugivores move across their heterogenous landscape, navigation capabilities determine how frugivores acquire and process both internal and external information that set them in motion, and biotic interactions further modulate frugivore movement. The movement process that emerges from the interactions of these drivers can be classified into different canonical activity modes that determine levels of seed removal and generate clumped, even or other spatial distributions of seed deposition. We provide a novel framework to integrate movement drivers, frugivore activities and seed dispersal services. We provide future directions utilizing advances in animal movement research to better understand the role of animal movement in the effectiveness of seed dispersal, highlighting potential impacts of increased anthropogenic activities. To advance a mechanistic understanding of animal-mediated seed dispersal, we encourage increased collaboration between animal movement and plant ecologists.

Automated summary

Frugivore movement plays a critical role in animal-mediated seed dispersal, with drivers including physiology, motion capacities, navigation capabilities, and interactions with other biota influencing the resulting seed removal and deposition patterns. Understanding these factors and utilizing advancements in animal movement research can provide insights into the effectiveness of seed dispersal and the potential impacts of increased human activities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between animal movement and plant ecology researchers.