Seeds in Madagascar’s forests are getting smaller, and new research suggests that human activities are playing a role in this shift. Researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Leipzig University combined data from more than 2,800 plant species, 48 living and 15 extinct fruit-eating animals (frugivores)—including birds and lemurs.



Summary

A recent study reveals a concerning trend in Madagascar’s forests: seeds are shrinking. Researchers linked this phenomenon to human activities by analyzing data from thousands of plant species and dozens of frugivores, both living and extinct. The decline in large-bodied animals, crucial seed dispersers, has likely altered seed size. The loss of these animals, often due to habitat loss and hunting, disrupts the natural seed dispersal process, favoring smaller seeds that can be dispersed by smaller remaining animals. This shift could ultimately impact forest composition and overall ecosystem health.

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