Replacing the natural savanna matrix with eucalyptus plantations and soybean fields changes the seed rain promoted by bats in Amazonian savannas
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The advance of plantations and croplands into natural areas has catalysed the loss of species and ecosystem functions worldwide. This loss appears to be more intense in tropical regions and may strongly impact groups essential for maintaining forests, such as bats. We evaluated the consequences of land-use changes on seed dispersal carried out by bats in the Savannas of Amapá, northeast of the Brazilian Amazon. More specifically, we compared the metrics of seed dispersal networks of the natural savanna matrix in relation to soybean or eucalyptus matrix, as well as between forest patches inserted in the natural savanna matrix in relation to forest patches inserted in soybean or eucalyptus matrix. Replacing the natural savanna matrix with croplands and plantations in the Savannas of Amapá causes the near disappearance of seed dispersal interactions and a collapse of the network structure in croplands. In addition, the seed dispersal networks in cultivated landscapes were more centered on a few, more abundant and generalist dispersers, which were more linked to pioneer plant species. Our results show that changes in the natural savanna matrix have drastic consequences on the seed rain promoted by bats, which can directly impact the ecological dynamics of the different habitats that comprise this Amazonian ecosystem. Maintaining natural habitats, such as forest and savanna, in cultivated landscapes is crucial and would reduce this negative impact. Savanna remnants can help maintain the original dynamics of bat communities in the landscape and the integrity and robustness of seed dispersal networks promoted by bats. • Eucalyptus plantations and soybeans fields negatively impacted the seed rain promoted by bats. • Maintaining natural habitats heterogeneity in the landscape can minimize impacts in bat seed dispersal. • Legal reserves could maintain the integrity and robustness of seed dispersal networks. • Natural savanna matrix in cultivated landscape minimizes the impact on seed dispersal networks.
Source: Biological Conservation
Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas do Estado do Amapá, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, University of Lisbon, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,830
Funders: Bat Conservation International, National Geographic Society, Rufford Foundation, Neotropical Grassland Conservancy, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Universidades
Awards: G1180378158, G1648821633, G2071991768, Effect of the Substitution of Natural Vegetation by Commercial Plantations on Bat Communities in the Brazilian Amazonian Savannahs, G2483475291, G266211599, Centro de Ecologia, Evolução e Alterações Ambientais, G4290198584, G4463542065, G5885139180, G6920847987, CHANGE - Instituto para as Alterações Globais e Sustentabilidade, G708369912, G7652878430, G8533126751, G887317101
OpenAlex ID: W4415010098