Integrating plant‐ and animal‐based perspectives for more effective restoration of biodiversity

Abstract

Ecological restoration of modified and degraded landscapes is an important challenge for the 21st century, with potential for major gains in the recovery of biodiversity. However, there is a general lack of agreement between plant‐ and animal‐based approaches to restoration, both in theory and practice. Here, we review these approaches, identify limitations from failing to effectively integrate their different perspectives, and suggest ways to improve outcomes for biodiversity recovery in agricultural landscapes. We highlight the need to strengthen collaboration between plant and animal ecologists, to overcome disciplinary and cultural differences, and to achieve a more unified approach to restoration ecology. Explicit consideration of key ecosystem functions, the need to plan at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and the importance of plant–animal interactions can provide a bridge between plant‐ and animal‐based methods. A systematic approach to restoration planning is critical to achieving effective biodiversity outcomes while meeting long‐term social and economic needs.

An Assessment of a Community-Based, Forest Restoration Programme in Durban (eThekwini), South Africa

“…Numerous studies on reforestation have shown the importance of including tree species that are attractive to animals in order to promote key ecological process, such as pollination and seed dispersal [66,85], that ensure the long-term stability of an ecosystem [86]. Our study showed that though most of the pollination and seed dispersal categories were abundant in habitats under restoration, some habitats lacked certain pollination and seed dispersal categories entirely.…”

“…In our study, flowering, pollination and fruiting (Figure 4) observed in both upland and lowland areas of the three-and five-year-old habitats suggest that areas under restoration are Seed dispersal is the last phase in the plant reproductive cycle and the first phase in the process of population renewal [89]. As a result, seedling recruitment is considered to be one of the key factors that determine the success of the long-term vegetation restoration [86]. Restoration habitats that are adjacent to the existing remnant forest are more likely to recover quickly as a result of colonization by animal seed dispersers [18,20,29].…”

“…As a result, seedling recruitment is considered to be one of the key factors that determine the success of the long-term vegetation restoration [86]. Restoration habitats that are adjacent to the existing remnant forest are more likely to recover quickly as a result of colonization by animal seed dispersers [18,20,29].…”

“…Enrichment planting should prioritize tree species in pollination and seed dispersal categories that are lacking. Pollination and seed dispersal processes should be monitored during the flowering and fruiting period, so that species that lack pollinators and dispersers can be identified and their agents introduced on site if possible [19,86]. Most importantly, all of these indicators should form part of a long-term monitoring and evaluation strategy.…”

Population viability analyses in New Zealand: a review

“…freshwater fish, plants, invertebrates) to avoid the current taxonomic bias in the species for which PVAs are implemented in NZ. We believe this may be accomplished by increasing collaboration between researchers, particularly those working with different taxa (McAlpine et al 2016). (2) A continuation of studies on species with lower threat classes should be encouraged especially in taxa where these low threat class species are underrepresented (e.g.…”