Conclusions

As far as we know, this is the first study proving that seed dispersal mechanisms combined with the “seedscapes” of plant-associated antagonists and mutualists shape the spatial assembly of plant communities (Beckman & Sullivan, 2023). Species dispersed by biotic agents, such a vertebrate frugivores, can escape from high mortality close to conspecific saplings and adults, and the spatial template of dispersed seeds comprises multispecies clumps that prevail and strengthen until the adult stage. On the other hand, our results suggest that lack of a long-distance seed dispersal of dry-fruited species enhances the distance- and density-dependent mortality caused not only by specialized natural enemies, as predicted by Janzen (1970) and Connell (1971), but also by more generalist natural enemies as demonstrated here. Both seed dispersal strategies lead to mature communities where adults are placed at “safe” neighbourhoods where antagonists are not overrepresented. From an ecological perspective, community assembly is at our two Mediterranean forests strongly determined by the different seed dispersal mechanisms of the local species, and presence or absence of subsequent Janzen-Connell and facilitation processes. From an applied perspective, vertebrate frugivores are key elements in plant communities that should receive special attention in strategies for forest regeneration and conservation. Future approaches should explore the cascading effects of reducing avian frugivores diversity in those forests that require this kind of agents for their persistence.