Decline of seed-dispersing animals hampers plants’ ability to cope with climate breakdown.
The ongoing climate crisis is putting plant species at risk of extinction, as disruptions in animal migration affect seed dispersal. According to a new study, nearly half of all plant species rely on animals to spread their seeds. However, as rising temperatures drive birds and mammals toward cooler regions, plants are unable to follow and are struggling to adapt.
Using machine learning and data from over 400 seed dispersal networks around the world, researchers examined the impact of animal migration disruptions. The findings revealed a 60% decline in plants’ ability to adapt to climate change, with some species now at risk of permanent loss.
Dr. Evan C Fricke, the lead author of the study published in Science, emphasized the importance of understanding how the removal of species from ecosystems affects the environment. The research highlights the critical role animals play in supporting plant life, and the alarming consequences of their decline.
