Landscape connectivity and keystone frugivores: implications for the rare rainforests tree Ryparosa kurrangiiLandscape connectivity and keystone frugivores: implications for the rare rainforests tree Ryparosa kurrangii B. L. Webber (Achariaceae)

Abstract

Tropical rainforests (TRFs), contain the most structurally complex and biodiverse plant communities of any terrestrial biome. Within these communities there are a variety of physical, temporal and physiological barriers that create unique challenges for effective long-distance seed dispersal. Endozoochorous seed dispersal by frugivorous animals is the most effective means of seed dispersal in these environments, particularly over long distances. The largest of these frugivores play a disproportionately important role as keystone seed dispersal vectors, processing large quantities of seed, transporting them over long distances, and swallowing seeds across the full spectrum of size allometries..