The study investigates the role of frugivorous animals in enhancing carbon recovery in fragmented landscapes, particularly in tropical forests. Frugivores play a crucial role in seed dispersal, which is essential for forest regeneration and carbon storage. The research uses individual-based models to assess seed rain in open areas along a fragmentation gradient, finding that large birds, which disperse seeds of late-successional species with higher carbon storage potential, are limited in their movement in landscapes with less than 40% forest cover. This restriction reduces the potential biomass in future forests by 38%. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining forest cover above 40% to optimize animal contributions to restoration success. Active restoration methods, such as planting trees, are necessary in more fragmented landscapes to achieve carbon and biodiversity targets. The findings highlight the need for integrated restoration strategies that consider animal movement and landscape connectivity to maximize the effectiveness of forest regeneration efforts.The study investigates the role of frugivorous animals in enhancing carbon recovery in fragmented landscapes, particularly in tropical forests. Frugivores play a crucial role in seed dispersal, which is essential for forest regeneration and carbon storage. The research uses individual-based models to assess seed rain in open areas along a fragmentation gradient, finding that large birds, which disperse seeds of late-successional species with higher carbon storage potential, are limited in their movement in landscapes with less than 40% forest cover. This restriction reduces the potential biomass in future forests by 38%. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining forest cover above 40% to optimize animal contributions to restoration success. Active restoration methods, such as planting trees, are necessary in more fragmented landscapes to achieve carbon and biodiversity targets. The findings highlight the need for integrated restoration strategies that consider animal movement and landscape connectivity to maximize the effectiveness of forest regeneration efforts.