Study published in 'Science' reveals worrying seed-dispersal crisis in Europe

Europe is facing a worrying seed dispersal crisis, according to a study published today in the prestigious journal Science, led by researchers from the Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE) of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology [University of Coimbra-FCTUC].

The findings indicate that approximately one-third of the 398 seed-dispersing animal species currently face extinction risks, either due to existing threats or declining populations. Furthermore, at least 190 European wild plant species have a significant number of their known dispersers either at risk of extinction or in decline.

"This study clearly demonstrates that there is a seed dispersal crisis across all European biomes. However, it also reveals that we only know the dispersers of 26% of Europe's fleshy fruit-producing plant species, which highlights the urgent need to learn more about which animals can help wild plants survive the effects of climate change and desertification, especially in southern Europe," claims Sara Mendes, a CFE researcher and the first author of the study.