Important Herbivores Research Articles

Conservation of paramo birds in Ecuador in the face of climate change: on the need for a detailed classification of high-altitude habitats

When we think of "the paramo" most of us would think of waves of grass moving in the wind. However, our concept of paramo is limited by the lack of prehistoric data on what this ecosystem would have been like in the absence of human activity. Throughout the Holocene, humans have been part of the Andean landscape, shaping it through fire and by hunting important herbivores, such as deer and cottontails. Pollen records are scant due to glaciers having scraped high Andean lakes and peatlands off the landscape. What we find today at high altitudes is not "one paramo" but "several types of paramo" that are likely the result of various intensities of human activity. The different vegetation forms we see today are habitats for various birds within the ecosystem. The classification of vegetation for the Ecuadorian Andes by Sierra 1 recognizes several high Andean plant assemblages, yet these do not accurately describe the diversity of plant communities vis-à-vis avian habitats.

Conservation of paramo birds in Ecuador in the face of climate change: on the need for a detailed classification of high-altitude habitats

When we think of "the paramo," most of us think of waves of grass moving in the wind. However, our concept of paramo is limited by the lack of prehistoric data on what this ecosystem would have been like without human activity. Throughout the Holocene, humans have been part of the Andean landscape, shaping it through fire and by hunting important herbivores, such as deer and cottontails. Pollen records are scant due to glaciers having scraped high Andean lakes and peatlands off the landscape. What we find today at high altitudes is not "one paramo" but "several types of paramo" that are likely the result of various intensities of human activity. The different vegetation forms we see today are habitats for various birds within the ecosystem. The classification of vegetation for the Ecuadorian Andes by Sierra 1 recognizes several high Andean plant assemblages, yet these do not accurately describe the diversity of plant communities vis-à-vis avian habitats. For instance, the Antisana paramo is composed of a mixture of plant formations not recognized in previous classifications 2 that birds depend on for at least one life stage.

Coral-reef ecology: Expanding urchin disease threatens ecosystem balance

Sea urchins are critically important herbivores on coral reefs. A new study shows that a disease that decimated sea urchins in the Caribbean in 2022 has spread to the Red Sea, further threatening coral ecosystems.

Taxa-dependent temporal trends in the abundance and size of sea urchins in subtropical eastern Australia.

Subtropical reefs host a dynamic mix of tropical, subtropical, and temperate species that is changing due to shifts in the abundance and distribution of species in response to ocean warming. In these transitional communities, biogeographic affinity is expected to predict changes in species composition, with projected increases of tropical species and declines in cool-affinity temperate species. Understanding population dynamics of species along biogeographic transition zones is critical, especially for habitat engineers such as sea urchins that can facilitate ecosystem shifts through grazing. We investigated the population dynamics of sea urchins on coral-associated subtropical reefs at 7 sites in eastern Australia (28.196° S to 30.95° S) over 9 years (2010-2019), a period impacted by warming and heatwaves. Specifically, we investigated the density and population size structure of taxa with temperate (Centrostephanus rodgersii, Phyllacanthus parvispinus), subtropical (Tripneustes australiae) and tropical (Diadema spp.) affinities. Counter to expectation, biogeographic affinity did not explain shifts in species abundances in this region. Although we expected the abundance of tropical species to increase at their cold range boundaries, tropical Diadema species declined across all sites. The subtropical T. australiae also showed declines, while populations of the temperate C. rodgersii were remarkably stable throughout our study period. Our results show that temporal patterns of sea urchin populations in this region cannot be predicted by bio-geographic affinity alone and contribute critical information about the population dynamics of these important herbivores along this biogeographic transition zone.

Distribution of sea urchin barrens in shallow algal communities along the eastern Adriatic coast

The sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula are important herbivores in algal communities of the infralittoral rocky bottoms in the Mediterranean Sea. However, grazing by sea urchins that outweighs natural algal recruitment processes might result in the formation of barrens, which are areas dominated by urchins and coralline algae. We present the results of the first large-scale mapping of sea urchin barrens and analyses of sea urchins’ impact on the main algal communities across 1955.5 km of rocky coastline on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea (Croatia). Since mapping was performed over a geographically wide area and covered a representative quantity of approximately 40% of the coastline of the central part of the Adriatic Sea, the results could be considered to reflect the general situation in that area of the eastern Adriatic coast. Mapping revealed that sea urchin barrens are present along over 35% of the coastline, while the complete absence of algal cover was recorded in 8% of the inspected area. Communities with canopy-forming algae, which are the most valuable shallow-water communities of the Mediterranean Sea, represent the largest proportion of the observed coastline and are affected by sea urchins in over 28% of their extent. Among other factors, the extensive harvesting of date mussels (Lithophaga lithophaga) in the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s is likely one of the main activities that resulted in exceptional sea urchin expansion via the removal of micropredators and establishment of shelters for subadult urchins.

Insecticidal and fungicidal activity of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) essential oil on Atta sexdens colonies

Leafcutter ants are one of the most destructive and economically important herbivores in both forest and agricultural crops, due to their abundance and wide distribution. The most used method for controlling this pest is still through synthetic formicides, due to their high efficiency. However, essential oils represent an alternative, as they are biodegradable and selective and have a toxic effect on a wide range of organisms, including leafcutter ants. The combination of insecticidal activity of a product and possible fungicidal activity constitutes an effective strategy against these insect pests, since both agents of this mutualistic interaction (both organisms are benefited) are affected, ensuring quicker collapse of the colony. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal and fungicidal activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil applied on Atta sexdens colonies under laboratory conditions. A nebulized spray system with three concentrations (15, 30 and 60%) and a control treatment were used to evaluate the effect of C. citratus on A. sexdens colonies. The C. citratus essential oils showed both insecticidal activity against the leafcutter ants (A. sexdens) and fungicidal activity against their symbiotic fungi. Colonies exposed to this essential oil showed considerable reduction in the weight of fungal mass, and mortality of both the queen and worker ants, which proves to be promising for the development of new insecticides for management of this insect pest.

Investigating the diets and condition of Centrostephanus rodgersii (long-spined urchin) in barrens and macroalgae habitats in south-eastern Australia

Sea urchins are important herbivores that can graze macroalgae, creating ‘barren’ areas. These barrens are believed to offer little food for urchins due to the absence of attached macroalgae, leading to malnourishment as indicated by a low urchin gonad index. To investigate the diet and resultant gonad index of the long-spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii in New South Wales, Australia, we dissected 100 C. rodgersii individuals collected in macroalgae and barrens habitats along >470 km of SE NSW coastline. Diverse items were present in the digestive tracts of urchins from all habitats. These items included brown (42% barrens, 46% macroalgae), green (28% barrens, 42% macroalgae) and red algae (15% barrens, 12% macroalgae) and corallines (29% barrens, 37% macroalgae), molluscs (28% barrens, 29% macroalgae) and crustaceans (26% barrens, 22% macroalgae). There was no difference in urchin gut fullness between habitats (85% barrens, 90% macroalgae). Importantly, the gonad index only differed in macroalgae compared to barrens habitats at one location, with no differences detected at the other 4 locations. These results suggest that C. rodgersii has a diverse diet that is similar in both habitats, which could explain the similarities in gut fullness and gonad index. Our results suggest that C. rodgersii eat a broad diet including invertebrates and drift algae, and hence may not be malnourished in barrens. The finding of comparable gonad index between barrens and macroalgal areas further supports this conclusion. These findings challenge the prevailing perspective, indicating that sea urchins have sufficient food to survive and reproduce in different habitats.

Damage Assessment of Melanagromyza sojae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Soybean in Brazil

Soybean stem fly, Melanagromyza sojae Zehntner (Diptera: Agromyzidae), is an important soybean (Glycine max) pest in Eastern Asia that has recently colonized South America. The region colonized by M. sojae includes Brazil and several other major soybean growing countries. Management strategies for this pest remain largely undeveloped due to lack of information regarding its potential to injury soybeans. The objective of this study was to quantify soybean yield reduction caused by M. sojae injury. One experiment was carried out during two summer crop seasons (2020 and 2021) at Santa Maria, RS state, Brazil. Soybean was planted during late-season to ensure that high pressure of M. sojae adults were present in the fields. The number of seeds, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield and number of pods were quantified for the lower, middle and upper canopy, and plant height was compared to the amount of stem injured to determine percentage of injured stem. Each 1% of injured stem in the lower, middle and upper canopy segments significantly reduced the number of seeds per plant, 1,000-seed weight, and yield. Across all canopy segments, yield reduction reached 0.9 g per plant for every 1% of injured stem. Treatments where insecticide applications started during the vegetative phase presented the lowest damage by M. sojae. These data suggest that M. sojae is an economically important herbivore of soybeans under Brazilian growing conditions and highlight the need to develop efficient and sustainable management strategies for this pest.

Ecology, invasion history and biodiversity-driven management of the coconut black-headed caterpillar Opisina arenosella in Asia.

The coconut black-headed caterpillar (BHC), Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae) is an important herbivore of palm trees that originates in South Asia. Over the past decades, O. arenosella has spread to several countries in Eastern and Southeast Asia. BHC larval feeding can cause severe defoliation and occasional plant death, resulting in direct production losses (e.g., for coconut) while degrading the aesthetic value of urban and rural landscapes. In this review paper, we systematically cover taxonomy, bio-ecology, invasion history and current management of O. arenosella throughout Asia. Given that O. arenosella is routinely controlled with insecticides, we equally explore options for more sustainable management through agroecological and biodiversity-based tactics e.g., cultural control or biological control. Also, recent advances in chemical ecology have unlocked lucrative opportunities for volatile-mediated monitoring, mating disruption and mass-trapping. Substantial progress has been made in augmentation biological control, with scheduled releases of laboratory-reared parasitoids lowering BHC infestation pressure up to 95%. Equally, resident ants provide 75-98% mortality of BHC egg masses within the palm canopy. Biological control has been effectively paired with sanitary measures and good agronomy (i.e., proper fertilization, irrigation), and promoted through participatory farmer training programs. Our comprehensive listing of non-chemical preventative and curative tactics offer bright prospects for a more environmentally-sound, biodiversity-driven mitigation of a palm pest of regional allure.

The assemblage structure of large size sea urchins (Diadematidae) in Northern Vietnam

The large sea urchins (Diadematidae) are widely distributed worldwide, from temperate to tropical waters. Diadematidae is an important herbivore in the coral reef ecosystem through herbivore-algal-coral interaction, which maintains the reef’s health. Many studies of Diadematidae have been performed around world, but in Vietnam, there is little known about the ecology of this group. Here, we first investigated the assemblage structure of Diadematidae in Northern Vietnam. We observed 43 sites of representative coral reefs in Ba Mun - Co To, Cat Ba - Ha Long, and Hon Me. Based on the surveys, we found four species of considerable size sea urchins, of which the most common species is Diadema setosum (79.8% of the total), Enchinothrix calamaris (10.1%), E. diadema (8.3%), and D. savignyi (1.8%). Among three study regions, Hon Me is the most diverse. In addition, Hon Me also has the highest density of sea urchins. However, this value is generally low compared to that in Southern Vietnam and other neighboring countries. Further study is needed to investigate the ecology and reproductive biology of Diadematidae to provide fundamental information for sustainable exploitation and conservation.

Parasitoid complex of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different pulses

The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius is an important herbivore of major pulses and vegetable legumes in India and the chemical pesticides are major contributors for its management. In order to have an idea on other alternative management tools, the present studies were carried out on the availability of parasitoids and its genetic variation. Totally, four larval parasitoids viz., Bassus sp., Trathala flavoorbitalis Cameron, Phanerotoma hendecasisella Cameron and an undetermined Braconid wasp were recorded on M. vitrata larva. The occurrence of P. hendecasisella was reported for the first time from Tamil Nadu, India. The Bassus sp. was found to be dominant with the parasitism of 3.0 to 12.7% in different pulses and total parasitism of four parasitoids was maximum in pigeonpea (16.1 %). Total parasitism had a positive relationship with number of webbings on cowpea. The larval parasitoids Bassus sp. and braconid wasp (undetermined) yielded specific fragments (~800 bp) with mitochondrial COI primer. Presence of Wolbachia was confirmed in all four larval parasitoids with the amplicons size between 600 and 650 bp. Present study clearly indicated the close proximity of Bassus sp. on M. vitrata than other parasitoids studied. Hence, it gives way for further insights on suitability, mass culturing and development for sustainable management of this insect pest.

The UDP-Glycosyltransferase Gene Family in Achelura yunnanensis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae): Identification, Phylogeny, and Diverse Expression Patterns

The caterpillars of the Lepidoptera are important herbivores as most of them belong to serious agricultural and forestry pests. To adapt to their habitats and feeding host plants, the larvae utilize uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) to metabolize plant defensive compounds and insecticides. However, information on the UGT gene family in Achelura yunnanensis remains scarce. Here, we characterized the UGT genes through gene identification, phylogenic analyses, and comprehensive expression profiles regarding sexes, tissues, and stages. Transcriptome analyses led to the yields of 50 transcripts encoding UGTs in A. yunnanensis, representing a comparable gene number compared to those in other lepidopteran species. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed a low amino acid identity of 28.23% among 31 full-length AyunUGTs, but some members shared relatively high conservation (>50% identities) with a phylogenetically clustered distribution. In addition, the majority of AyunUGTs possessed conserved residues involved in the catalysis and sugar-donor binding. Combining RNA sequencing and PCR approaches, a number of AyunUGTs were found to have the expression in chemosensory or detoxification tissues, possibly associated with the sensing of odorant molecules and the metabolism of toxic chemicals. More importantly, at least 27 AyunUGTs displayed detectable expression in reproductive tissues of both sexes. This study identifies candidate A. yunnanensis UGTs responsible for detoxification, olfaction, and reproduction, allowing us to address putative roles of UGTs in the adaptation of larvae to the habitats and feeding hosts.

A fungal symbiont converts provisioned cellulose into edible yield for its leafcutter ant farmers

While ants are dominant consumers in terrestrial habitats, only the leafcutters practice herbivory. Leafcutters do this by provisioning a fungal cultivar (Leucoagaricus gongylophorus) with freshly cut plant fragments and harnessing its metabolic machinery to convert plant mulch into edible fungal tissue (hyphae and swollen hyphal cells called gongylidia). The cultivar is known to degrade cellulose, but whether it assimilates this ubiquitous but recalcitrant molecule into its nutritional reward structures is unknown. We use in vitro experiments with isotopically labelled cellulose to show that fungal cultures from an Atta colombica leafcutter colony convert cellulose-derived carbon into gongylidia, even when potential bacterial symbionts are excluded. A laboratory feeding experiment showed that cellulose assimilation also occurs in vivo in A. colombica colonies. Analyses of publicly available transcriptomic data further identified a complete, constitutively expressed, cellulose-degradation pathway in the fungal cultivar. Confirming leafcutters use cellulose as a food source sheds light on the eco-evolutionary success of these important herbivores.

Hybridization and complex evolution of Barbarea vulgaris and related species (Brassicaceae)

Barbarea, winter-cress, is a genus of 29 species in Brassicaceae, the mustard family, which has emerged as a model for evolution of plant defence and specialised metabolites. Notably, some Barbarea species have evolved the ability to produce triterpenoid saponins as the only ones in Brassicaceae, some of which make plants resistant to important herbivores. Resistance has, however, been lost in a distinct group of plants within B. vulgaris ssp. arcuata, which is genetically strongly diverged from other B. vulgaris plants. This divergence is not reflected present in taxonomy. Thus, a phylogeny is needed to understand evolution and defence in Barbarea. Here, we analysed the nuclear ITS and the plastid matK, ndhF, rps16, and psbA-trnH DNA regions from seven out of 29 Barbarea species, 57 accessions of B. vulgaris, 10 accessions of other Barbarea species, and eight outgroup species, in addition to sequences available from GenBank. All Barbarea species formed a highly supported monophyletic group, separated from sister genera. Several clades seem to have radiated within the genus with no simple branching pattern, and discordant nuclear and plastid DNA phylogenies indicate reticulate evolution and chloroplast capture. One of the complex patterns may have resulted from chloroplast capture of a non-Nordic Barbarea species not included in the study. Two pairs of species were almost identical, B. australis and B. grayi, and B. orthoceras and B. stricta. Despite hybridization, chloroplast capture, and incongruence among the plastid and nuclear DNA data, the high level of intraspecific diversity, coupled with lineage specificity, lead us to recognize three groups of Barbarea vulgaris: G-type (glabrous) and P-type (pubescent) individuals of the current B. vulgaris ssp. arcuata as two distinct groups and the current B. vulgaris ssp. vulgaris as the third. Despite the high molecular diversity below species level, the evolutionary history of the saponin-based resistance remains unsettled due to unresolved basal branching.

First reports of protists in land crabs of the family Gecarcinidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) suggest a relatively widespread phenomenon

ABSTRACT Eccrinales are protists of the class Mesomycetozoea exclusively found in the digestive tract of marine, freshwater and terrestrial arthropods. Isopods are the only terrestrial crustaceans from which eccrinids have been reported. Among brachyuran crabs, eccrinids were exclusively reported in grapsid and ocypodid crabs, with a percentage of occurrence ranging from 5% to 100% in the respective species. The eccrinid Enteromyces callianassae Lichtwardt, 1961 has been found in the guts of various decapod crustacean species in marine habitats and intertidal mud or sand flats in Chile, France, Japan and the USA. Semi-terrestrial species of Leptuca and Minuca were the most terrestrial crabs in which E. callianassae has been observed. Here we report the presence of E. callianassae in stomachs of the land crab Gecarcinus lateralis. These are the first observations of protists in gecarcinid crabs, which are regarded as the most terrestrial brachyuran crabs. The presence of E. callianassae in 11% of 74 examined stomachs from males and females of G. lateralis from three locations in Costa Rica suggests that the occurence of E. callianassae in these crabs is a relatively widespread phenomenon. Considering that these highly terrestrial crabs are important herbivores on island and continental landscapes, the presence of eccrinids in the stomachs of these crabs may have important implications for the carbon cycling in coastal ecosystems.

Interplays between Atta ants (Formicidae: Attini), soils and environmental properties in the Brazilian Neotropics: a preliminary assessment

Leaf-cutting ants are the most important herbivore in the neotropics, represent active agents of pedobioturbation, and are regarded as ecosystem engineers. These ants have a wide variety of ecological functions, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and tree-growing control. Despite this importance, little is known on their distribution in relation to possible soil and environmental conditions that affect Atta ants occurrence. This study aimed to spatialize the main occurrences of Atta species in the Brazilian territory and evaluate the main [...]

Karyotype structure and cytogenetic markers of Amoimyrmex bruchi and Amoimyrmex silvestrii: contribution to understanding leaf-cutting ant relationships.

Leaf-cutting ants are considered the most important herbivores in terrestrial environments throughout the Neotropics. Amoimyrmex Cristiano, Cardoso, & Sandoval, 2020 is the sister clade of the remaining leaf-cutting ants from the genera Atta and Acromyrmex. Amoimyrmex striatus was the only species cytogenetically studied within the genus and shares the same chromosomal number as Atta, bearing 22 chromosomes, whereas Acromyrmex bears 38 chromosomes, with the exception of the social parasite Acromyrmex ameliae (2n = 36). Our objective here was to cytogenetically analyze the species of Amoimyrmex bruchi and Amoimyrmex silvestrii, as well as to describe the karyotype of these sister species, using an integrative approach using classical and molecular cytogenetics. We aimed to characterize the cytogenetic markers that contribute to the systematics and taxonomy of the genus. Our results showed that the karyotypes of these two species are very similar, with an identical chromosome number (2n = 22), chromosome morphology (2K = 20m + 2sm), and location of 18S rDNA and telomeric repeat TTAGG on the chromosomes. However, the microsatellite probe GA(15) showed variation across the species and populations studied. We suggest that both species diverged relatively recently and are unmistakably sisters because of the many shared characteristics, including the highly conserved karyotypes.

A highly-contiguous genome assembly of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, provides insight into a major forest pest

Conifer-feeding bark beetles are important herbivores and decomposers in forest ecosystems. These species complete their life cycle in nutritionally poor substrates and some can kill enormous numbers of trees during population outbreaks. The Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) can destroy >100 million m3 of spruce in a single year. We report a 236.8 Mb I. typographus genome assembly using PacBio long-read sequencing. The final phased assembly has a contig N50 of 6.65 Mb in 272 contigs and is predicted to contain 23,923 protein-coding genes. We reveal expanded gene families associated with plant cell wall degradation, including pectinases, aspartyl proteases, and glycosyl hydrolases. This genome sequence from the genus Ips provides timely resources to address questions about the evolutionary biology of the true weevils (Curculionidae), one of the most species-rich animal families. In forests of today, increasingly stressed by global warming, this draft genome may assist in developing pest control strategies to mitigate outbreaks.

Evolutionary responses of a dominant plant along a successional gradient in a salt-marsh system

The ecological responses of plant populations along a successional gradient have been intensively examined; however, the evolutionary responses received much less attention. Here, I explored genetic changes of key phenotypic traits of a dominant clonal plant (Elytrigia atherica) along a saltmarsh successional gradient by collecting samples along the successional gradient in the high and low marsh and growing them in a common environment (greenhouse). Additionally, to explore whether changes in traits are driven by abiotic (e.g. clay thickness) and biotic (e.g. grazing intensity) variables along the successional gradient, I measured these two variables in the field. I found that clay thickness (a proxy of total nitrogen) increased along the successional gradient both in the high and low marsh; grazing intensity from hares (the most important herbivores) decreased along the successional gradient in the high marsh but did not change in the low marsh. Meanwhile, I found that growth in number of leaves and ramets decreased, while rhizome length increased, along the successional gradient for E. atherica collected from the high marsh. Opposite trends were found for E. atherica collected from the low marsh. Results suggest that, in the high marsh, herbivores may overrule nutrients to drive trait changes. That is, at the early successional stages, E. atherica had higher growth in number of leaves and ramets to compensate for high-intensity grazing. In the low marsh, nutrients may be the dominant driver for trait changes. That is, at the late successional stages, E. atherica had higher growth in number of leaves and ramets but shorter rhizomes to maximize its expansion under the favorable conditions (higher nutrient availability). Results suggest that ecologically important abiotic and biotic variables such as nutrients and herbivores may also have a substantial evolutionary impact on plant populations.

Persistence of tropical herbivores in temperate reefs constrains kelp resilience to cryptic habitats

Abstract Global warming is facilitating the range expansion of tropical herbivores, causing a tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems, where tropical herbivores can suppress habitat‐forming macrophytes, supporting the resilience of canopy‐free ecosystem states. However, currently we lack a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that, on one hand, support the persistence of tropical herbivores and on the other support the recovery of temperate foundation species in tropicalized ecosystems, a required knowledge to predict potential regime shifts and reversals to the baseline state of the ecosystem. This study tested processes behind the persistence of the tropicalization of temperate reefs which experienced a complete loss of their kelp forests and an influx of tropical herbivores following a marine heatwave in 2011. For this, we assessed the feedback mechanisms that maintain turf‐dominated states (recruitment of tropical herbivores, browsing and grazing rates and turf cover) and those that resist it (kelp recruitment, survival and reproductiveness). We found that the reefs remained tropicalized with high abundances of turf and tropical herbivores after 9 years from the regime shift. The rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens and the chub Kyphosus bigibbus were the most important herbivores whose persistence was supported by the adjacent reef lagoon, where seagrass meadows and the backreef habitats hosted juveniles of both species, particularly rabbitfish. Tropical herbivores exerted a strong top–down control on turf seaweed and kelp during herbivory assays, rapidly consuming kelp individuals in open areas. However, in topographical refuges in the reefs, herbivory was low and kelp individuals survived, with some having reproductive tissue. Synthesis. Our findings incorporate the importance of nursery grounds for tropical herbivores and herbivory refugia for kelp individuals into the tropicalization model, where the former increases the resilience of canopy‐free states and the latter might facilitate recovering kelp populations. The restoration of abundant warm‐resistant kelp populations in shelters could provide local sources of propagules to recolonize open spaces; however, our results suggest that the reduction of herbivory and the provision of turf‐free substratum would be necessary to boost the recovery of kelp forests.