Abstract In human-modified landscapes, where large bird and mammal species are often functionally extinct, bats are the main seed dispersers. However, the role of seed dispersal by bats for the maintenance of habitat dynamics in fragmented landscapes is still not understood, with information lacking on landscape-level effects of plant–bat interactions. We present some key topics related to spatial ecology of bats and discuss the potential influence of habitat fragmentation on several aspects of seed dispersal by Neotropical bats. We suggest that future studies need to evaluate bat–plant networks along habitat-loss and fragmentation gradients at the landscape level, including changes in land-cover types and habitat structural complexity, going beyond patch-based analysis. By advancing on the comprehension of ecosystem functioning in fragmented landscapes, we will better understand the bat-modulated seed-dispersal process, supporting regeneration and restoration programs that benefit from bat-based functions.

中文翻译：

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新热带蝙蝠在人类干扰景观中的种子传播

摘要 在人类改造的景观中，大型鸟类和哺乳动物物种经常功能性灭绝，蝙蝠是主要的种子传播者。然而，蝙蝠传播种子对维持破碎景观中栖息地动态的作用仍不清楚，缺乏关于植物-蝙蝠相互作用的景观水平影响的信息。我们提出了一些与蝙蝠空间生态学相关的关键主题，并讨论了栖息地破碎化对新热带蝙蝠种子传播的几个方面的潜在影响。我们建议未来的研究需要在景观水平上沿着栖息地丧失和破碎梯度评估蝙蝠 - 植物网络，包括土地覆盖类型和栖息地结构复杂性的变化，而不仅仅是基于斑块的分析。