Interactions between ants and diaspores in a Brazilian hotspot: an overview of trends and gaps in literature

Abstract Ants are present in terrestrial ecosystems nearly worldwide and participate in several ecological interactions that result in essential ecosystem functions, such as seed dispersal. In these interactions, ants collect fruits and seeds and move them to safe sites, preventing pathogen proliferation and increasing seedling establishment. Some ant species play a key role in these interactions, enhancing seed dispersal efficiency in areas where they occur. However, species loss due to land-use changes threatens these interactions and the ecosystem functions they support. The Atlantic Forest is among the most critically endangered hotspots in the world, making studies that support conservation strategies urgent. To address this, we compiled 26 years of research on ant-diaspore interactions in the Atlantic Forest to assess the current state of knowledge and encourage future studies. Most research has focused on three Brazilian states, revealing large knowledge gaps across the biome. Additionally, many studies have only evaluated the quantitative aspects of seed dispersal by ants. We identified six key ant species responsible for diaspore removal (e.g., Pachycondyla striata , Odontomachus chelifer and Atta sexdens ), but no key species were found for diaspore cleaning. Also, we found that seed size and lipid content influence interaction types. Finally, we highlighted priority locations for future sampling based on environmental characteristics, emphasizing specific ecoregions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This information is crucial for advancing the discussion on ant species and their ecological interactions in the Atlantic Forest and guiding further research on their role in seed dispersal.