Latitudinal shifts in the key processes of predation and foundation species facilitation in mangrove infauna community development

Authors: Aquino-Thomas, Jessene; SEARS, SHALONDRIA - Florida Atlantic University; PROFFIT, C. EDWARD - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Frontiers in Marine Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/22/2025
Publication Date: 9/25/2025
Citation: Aquino-Thomas, J.M., Sears, S.J., Proffit, C. 2025. Latitudinal shifts in the key processes of predation and foundation species facilitation in mangrove infauna community development. Frontiers in Marine Science. 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1599285.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1599285

Interpretive Summary: This study investigated the effects of predation and foundation species facilitation on mangrove infauna community development along a latitudinal gradient in Florida. Field experiments using predator exclusion treatments were conducted at four sites spanning 380 km from the Florida Keys to Fort Pierce. Results showed that predation effects on species richness shifted from positive in tropical latitudes to negative in temperate latitudes. Exclusion of predators increased species richness at the northernmost site but decreased it at more southern sites. The influence of secondary foundation species (e.g. barnacles, oysters, sponges) on community structure also varied with latitude. In general, foundation species had more positive associations with species richness in the tropics. Multivariate analyses indicated that both predation and foundation species effects were important in structuring communities, with their relative importance changing across the latitudinal gradient. The findings suggest that climate change may alter the balance between predation and facilitation in mangrove ecosystems, with implications for biodiversity patterns. This research highlights the complex interactions between abiotic factors, predation, and foundation species in driving community assembly along environmental gradients.

Technical Abstract: This study explored how predators and helpful organisms affect small animals living in mangrove forests along Florida's coast. Researchers set up experiments at four locations from the Florida Keys to Fort Pierce to see how these factors change from south to north. They found that predators had different effects depending on the location. In the north, keeping predators out increased the number of animal species, while in the south, it decreased species numbers. Foundation species like sponges, barnacles, and oysters generally supported more diverse animal communities in southern areas. The study suggests that as the climate changes, it may alter how predators and helpful organisms influence mangrove ecosystems, potentially affecting the variety of animals living there. This research helps us understand the complex relationships between environmental factors and animal communities in coastal areas.