The role of non‐plant species in ecological succession and implications for restoration

Animals and fungi have long played an overlooked, yet critical, role in the process of ecological succession, which is a foundational theory underpinning the practice of ecological restoration. Restoration efforts often employ three main strategies to manipulate succession, which we can broadly label as: “jumping the line” “resetting” and “removing barriers.” Despite their potential impact, current applications of animals and fungi to manipulate succession in restoration efforts have been limited. Examples of their current use include the use of mycelial networks to enhance nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems and bison reintroduction to restore grasslands. However, wide‐ranging implementation of taxonomically holistic restoration practices faces various impediments, including logistical challenges, financial constraints, and lack of specialized knowledge. Nevertheless, paradigm shifts toward more inclusive restoration practices that leverage diverse taxa will increase both ecosystem and individual species' resilience, which is especially relevant in the face of the climate and biodiversity crises.