Seed dispersal networks become more structured and stable with forest regeneration

Abstract Introduction Restoring interactions between frugivorous animals and fruiting plant species is pivotal for reestablishing community structure and ecosystem functions in recovering tropical forests. However, the reassembly of seed dispersal interactions within regenerating tropical forests remains poorly understood. Objectives In this study, we examined changes in the structure and complexity of seed dispersal interactions and network‐level measures across varying stages of tropical forest regeneration in the Chocó Rainforest of northwestern Ecuador. Methods Using a combination of mist‐netting and camera trap surveys, we sampled seed dispersal interactions across four regenerating forest habitats. We then used an ecological network framework to assess how network‐level metrics and interaction patterns shift across stages of forest recovery. Results Early successional vegetation fostered high frequency and diversity of seed dispersal interactions, which decreased in more mature forests. As forests transitioned into mid‐successional stages (secondary forests), seed dispersal networks underwent major restructuring, driven by species turnover across habitats. Due to this restructuring, networks shifted from loosely connected, generalist‐dominated systems in early stages of forest succession to more specialized and modular interactions in mature forests. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that interaction loss and replacement across regenerating forests led to the emergence of more complex and structured seed dispersal networks as forests aged, highlighting how the complexity of mutualistic interactions increases during forest regeneration.