Seed dispersal types among differently aged restored tropical forests

One of the most important factors for restoration of tropical forests is seed dispersal, as that influences how fast a forest is able to recover. There are two general types of seed dispersal: animal seed dispersal, where animals spread seeds, and non-animal seed dispersal. These two types of seed dispersal mechanisms often have an influence on each other as well. This thesis aims to give a better understanding behind the process of seed dispersal in restored tropical forest by comparing the relative frequencies of the two dispersal types in different-aged restored forests. The data used are from two separate datasets gathered in Kibale National Park in Uganda from 2013 and 2021. A chi-square test was used to evaluate if the frequencies of animal seed dispersal and non-animal dispersal tree species differ among different aged restored forests. The chi-square test from both 2013 and 2021 shows a non-significant difference between animal seed dispersal and non-animal dispersal which indicates that the return of the animal dispersed tree species to young restored forest is not restricted by dispersal barriers. However, the overall species richness was lower in younger restored forests than in primary forests. This is more than likely because of the large number of animals that each spread different seeds making it very slow for forests to recover. Overall, the tree communities in both primary forest and restored forest were dominated by animal dispersed species. With that in mind it becomes very evident that animals are very important for seed dispersal in restored tropical forests.