DOI: 10.5061/dryad.95x69p8sx
title: Integrating seed dispersal networks into restoration ecology review

description: While the reassembly of fruit-frugivore interactions remains at the
 forefront of tropical forest restoration, seed dispersal networks emerge
 as a potential approach to enhance restoration success. This review
 explores the integration of seed dispersal networks in tropical forest
 restoration, with the aims of (1) synthesizing important findings in the
 literature, (2) detailing potential biases in utilizing network theory,
 and (3) addressing current knowledge gaps and future directions for the
 field. We first highlight the importance of combining phytocentric and
 zoocentric approaches when sampling for seed dispersal interactions, as
 different methodologies have varying effects on network measures, and
 combining approaches can foster a more comprehensive understanding of
 dispersal interactions. Furthermore, when integrating seed dispersal
 networks to restoration goals, we suggest that a highly connected and
 species-rich network is desirable for earlier stages of forest succession,
 where community turnover and transient interactions are pivotal. Nested
 patterns may emerge throughout varying stages of forest succession, and
 identifying generalist species that make up nested patterns may be useful
 for restoration practioners in both early and later stages of forest
 regeneration. Modularity should be highest at later successional stages of
 succession to maintain community structure and stability, and connector
 species may play important roles in facilitating seed dispersal across
 temporal scales. Finally, we emphasize the importance of site-specific
 long-term datasets, chronosequences, and studies at large spatial scales
 to continue to understand network reassembly as a function of tropical
 forest succession and to develop effective strategies that enhance the
 recovery of tropical forest ecosystems.
description: A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to gather
 relevant studies aimed at seed dispersal networks in tropical forests
 using Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search terms
 included "seed dispersal network" OR "frugivore* dispersal
 network" OR "plant-frugivore* network" OR "mutualistic
 interaction network" AND dispersal in the title, keywords, or
 abstract. In addition, we checked the Interaction Web Database and the Web
 of Life Ecological Network Database and searched references listed in
 studies to build an extensive list of seed dispersal network papers in the
 tropics. Initial search results returned 2916 articles. The search was
 then refined by including specific terms related to seed dispersal
 networks, fruit-frugivore interactions, and tropical regions. After these
 initial screenings, the abstracts of 428 papers indicated that the
 research centered around seed dispersal networks in the tropics, and each
 was then fully analyzed. Studies that met the following criteria were
 considered for inclusion: (1) overall focus on seed dispersal networks
 specifically, with results including descriptions of or utilization of
 network analysis, (2) study focused on or took place in tropical regions,
 (3) published in peer-reviewed journals or dissertation manuscripts, (4)
 published between 1990 and 2023, and (5) employed empirical or theoretical
 approaches to collect data on seed dispersal interactions. To ensure no
 datasets were overlapping with data from empirical studies, we removed any
 duplicate studies or studies that used individual networks that were
 reported in multiple papers, as many of the reviews and meta-analyses
 gathered used publicly available datasets. We retained the original paper
 that described a seed dispersal network and did not utilize any papers
 published after the original article using the same data set. Full-text
 articles were obtained for the selected studies and thoroughly reviewed to
 assess their suitability for inclusion in this review.
description: # Integrating seed dispersal networks into restoration ecology review
 **Related article title:** Seeding success: Integrating seed dispersal
 networks in tropical forest restoration\ **Authors:** Nicole M. Lussier,
 Rachel E. Crafford, J. Leighton Reid, Charles Kwit\ **Corresponding
 author:** Nicole M. Lussier ([lussie12@msu.edu](mailto:lussie12@msu.edu))\
 **Related publication:** DOI: [10.1111/btp.13347\
 ](https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.13347?urlappend=%3Futm_source%3Dresearchgate.net%26utm_medium%3Darticle)**File Name:** Lussier.etal.2024.xlsx ## Descriptions of data and files This dataset represents a compiled database of seed dispersal interaction networks extracted from published studies conducted in tropical ecosystems. Each row in the dataset corresponds to a **single ecological network**, as reported in an original study. Studies that reported multiple networks (e.g., multiple sites, habitats, or sampling regimes) contribute multiple rows to the dataset. Networks are uniquely identified using a combination of two variables: * `Comp_ID`, which identifies the published study, and * `Net_ID`, which identifies individual networks within a study. Together, `Comp_ID` and `Net_ID` form a unique identifier for each network. The dataset integrates bibliographic information, geographic context, taxonomic focus, field sampling methodology, and reported network-level metrics. All quantitative network metrics were extracted directly from the original publications. When necessary, reported values were standardized to ensure consistency across studies (for example, converting percentages to proportions). No raw interaction matrices are included in this dataset. Instead, the dataset focuses on **reported network summaries** (e.g., richness, modularity, nestedness), allowing for cross-study comparisons of network structure, sampling methodology, and taxa. This dataset is intended to support comparative, meta-analytic, and synthesis-based research on seed dispersal networks, particularly in the context of tropical forest ecology, conservation, and restoration. --- ## Data Collection, Processing, and Usage Notes ### Literature Survey and Study Selection A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to identify studies focused on seed dispersal networks in tropical ecosystems. Searches were performed using Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, as well as the Interaction Web Database and the Web of Life Ecological Network Database. Search terms included combinations of “seed dispersal network,” “plant–frugivore network,” “mutualistic interaction network,” and related keywords. Studies were included if they: 1. Explicitly focused on seed dispersal networks and reported or analyzed interaction networks, 2. Were conducted in tropical regions, 3. Were published in peer-reviewed journals or dissertation manuscripts, 4. Were published between 1990 and 2023, and 5. Used empirical or theoretical approaches to study seed dispersal interactions. To avoid duplication, studies that reused previously published empirical networks (e.g., in reviews or meta-analyses) were excluded unless they were the original source of the network data. After full-text screening, a total of 77 studies were retained. --- ### Network Metric Extraction and Standardization From each included study, reported network-level metrics were extracted, including: * Network, plant, and disperser richness, * Interaction frequency or total number of interactions, * Modularity, specialization (H2′), nestedness (NODF), weighted nestedness (WNODF), * Connectance, robustness, interaction diversity, interaction evenness, and niche overlap, * Sampling completeness when reported. When metrics were reported using different scales or formats across studies, values were standardized for consistency (e.g., converting sampling completeness from percentages to proportions). Metrics were only included if they could be clearly interpreted and aligned with standard ecological network definitions. Missing values indicate that a metric was **not reported** in the original publication. No values were inferred or estimated when metrics were absent. --- ### Field Methods and Sampling Classifications Each study was categorized based on its primary field sampling approach: * **Phytocentric** methods emphasize plant-centered observations (e.g., focal tree observations), * **Zoocentric** methods emphasize animal-centered sampling (e.g., mist-netting, fecal analysis), * **Mixed** methods combine both approaches. These classifications allow users to examine how sampling strategies influence reported network structure and metrics. --- ### Usage Notes and Limitations Users should be aware that: * Network metrics were calculated by the original study authors using a variety of analytical frameworks and null models. * Sampling completeness and effort are reported as provided by the original studies and were not recalculated. * Differences in field methodology, sampling intensity, and analytical approaches may influence reported network metrics. This dataset is well-suited for comparative analyses, hypothesis testing related to sampling methodology and network structure, and synthesis studies across taxa and tropical regions. It is not intended to replace original datasets or interaction matrices but rather to facilitate large-scale comparisons across published seed dispersal networks. ### Variable Definitions Each row in the dataset represents a unique ecological interaction network extracted from a published study. Data that is listed as n/a is not applicable, as those data were not calculated by the original authors and presented in their manuscript. Variables are defined as follows: ### Identifiers * **Comp_ID**\ Unique study identifier. Studies are labeled sequentially starting from 1. Each published paper has a single `Comp_ID`. * **Net_ID**\ Unique network identifier within a study. Networks are labeled sequentially starting from 1. Studies reporting multiple networks have multiple `Net_ID` values associated with the same `Comp_ID`. * **Site_ID**\ Unique site or comparison identifier within a study (e.g., “old growth forest”, “low elevation”). Each site has a unique identifier analogous to `Comp_ID`. --- ### Bibliographic and Geographic Information * **Citation**\ Full citation of the published study from which network data were extracted. * **Country**\ Country or countries where the study was conducted. * **Zone**\ Ecological or biogeographic zone of the study system (e.g., tropical, temperate, riparian, montane). --- ### Taxonomic Information * **Taxa**\ Primary disperser taxonomic group studied (e.g., Birds, Mammals, Bats, Insects). Bats are treated as a separate category from other mammals. * **Taxa_short**\ Abbreviated taxonomic category (e.g., `Bi` = Birds). --- ### Field Methods * **Field_Methods**\ Primary data collection approach used in the study, categorized as zoocentric methods, phytocentric methods, or a combination of both. * **Methods_short**\ Abbreviated method classification (`zoo` = zoocentric, `phyto` = phytocentric, `mix` = combination of methods). * **Number_of_methods**\ Total number of distinct field methods used to collect interaction data (e.g., camera trapping + mist-netting = 2). --- ### Network Structure Metrics * **Net_rich**\ Total network richness, including both plant and animal species. * **Plant_rich**\ Number of plant species in the network. * **Disp_Rich**\ Disperser (animal) species richness in the network. * **Sampling_completeness**\ Sampling completeness as reported by the original study authors. This variable is included for reference and was not used in statistical analyses due to variation in calculation methods. * **Modularity_q**\ Network modularity (Q) as reported in the original study. * **WNODF**\ Weighted nestedness metric reported for the network. * **NODF**\ Unweighted nestedness metric reported for the network. * **Connectance**\ Proportion of realized interactions relative to all possible interactions in the network. * **Specialization_H2**\ Network-level specialization (H2′) as reported in the original study. --- ### Interaction Metrics * **Int_Freq**\ Total frequency of interactions reported for the network, also referred to as edge density in some studies. * **Interaction_Diversity**\ Diversity of interactions within the network as reported by the original study. * **Interaction_Evenness**\ Evenness of interaction frequencies within the network as reported by the original study. * **Niche_Overlap**\ Measure of niche overlap within the network as reported in the original study. * **Robustness**\ Network robustness metric as reported in the original study. ## Code / Software All statistical analyses and figures associated with this dataset were conducted using **R** (version ≥ 4.0). The dataset itself does not require any custom code to be interpreted or reused. Network metrics reported here were extracted directly from published studies and standardized as described in this README. Analyses included correlation tests, nonparametric tests, and generalized linear modeling to examine relationships between network structure, network size, and field sampling methodology. Code used for exploratory and statistical analyses is not required to reproduce the dataset and is therefore not included in this repository.