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Seed dispersal limitation causes negative legacy effect on restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes
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  • Yuki Yaida,
  • Taiki Inoue,
  • Kenta Tanaka,
  • Atsushi Ushimaru
Yuki Yaida
Kobe University

Corresponding Author:yuki.yaida@gmail.com

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Taiki Inoue
University of Tsukuba Sugadaira Montane Research Center
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Kenta Tanaka
University of Tsukuba Sugadaira Montane Research Center
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Atsushi Ushimaru
Kobe University Graduate School of Human Development and Environment Faculty of Human Development
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Abstract

Past forest use often has a long-term negative impact on the recovery of the original plant composition of semi-natural grasslands, which are known as a legacy effect. This study investigates the impact of seed dispersal limitations on the restoration of grassland plant diversity on ski slopes with past forest use, highlighting the negative legacy effect on biodiversity recovery. Focusing on ski areas, our research contrasts the vegetation on ski slopes originally created on semi-natural grasslands such as pasture (pasture slopes) and constructed by clearing secondary forests or conifer plantations (forest slopes). We examined species richness and abundance, considering seed dispersal mechanisms, grassland management history and seed source proximity. We reveal that the proximity to species-rich grassland sources and sustained management for more than 50 years are pivotal for the restoration of native grassland vegetation. Particularly, wind-dispersed species show significant recovery on slopes with a history of extensive grassland management, suggesting that both the duration of management and the proximity to seed sources are critical for overcoming the legacy effects of past forest use. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering seed dispersal dynamics and management history in the restoration and conservation of grasslands and their biodiversity, particularly in landscapes experiencing past human intervention.
09 Apr 2024Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
10 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
10 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 May 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 May 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Jun 20241st Revision Received
11 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
11 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
11 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Accept