New EBL Paper!

Check out the latest EBL publication concerning seed dispersal as both a cultural and supporting ecosystem service.

Figure 1. Conceptual diagram demonstrating the links between the bird-chili mutualism, its disruption, and the loss of ecosystem services. On the Mariana Islands, forest birds have been functionally extirpated from Guam, but not Rota, Tinian or Saipan. Relative to islands with seed dispersers, the loss of animal-mediated seed dispersal may reduce germination by affecting the spatial distribution of seeds and their condition. The resulting reduction of recruitment could reduce chili populations that are economically and culturally important for people. Photos courtesy M Egerer.