Extinction & recolonization in the Pacific: implications for seed dispersal
The widespread loss and decline of frugivorous birds in the pacific islands has important consequences for ecological processes such as seed dispersal. In many places native frugivorous birds have been replaced by introduced species that may or may not fill the same role. Refaunation, the reintroduction or recovery of ecologically important species, has the potential to restore lost seed dispersal services. We are studying the linkages among the loss and refaunation of native and introduced frugivores and seed dispersal in both New Zealand and Hawaii. Our most recent research on this topic is published in Ecology, Ecosphere, Plos ONE, AoB Plants and Ecological Applications.