Yelenik, S.G., Rehm, E.M., and D'Antonio, C.M., 2021, Hakalau Forest NWR seed rain, seedling, and plant data for 2017-2019: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MY5240.
Summary
This data release includes data and metadata on bird-mediated and passive seed rain for sites selected to have a range of understory cover under canopy trees (Metrosideros polymorpha and Acacia koa). All sites were within Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii Island. Broadly, this study asks what thresholds of seed rain and native and exotic plant cover are needed for passive forest regeneration. Quantifying natural seed rain rates in different habitat types was needed to better understand how these thresholds function.
Summary
This data release includes data and metadata on bird-mediated and passive seed rain for sites selected to have a range of understory cover under canopy trees (Metrosideros polymorpha and Acacia koa). All sites were within Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii Island. Broadly, this study asks what thresholds of seed rain and native and exotic plant cover are needed for passive forest regeneration. Quantifying natural seed rain rates in different habitat types was needed to better understand how these thresholds function.
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Seed rain in sampling plots, Hakalau Forest NWR.xml Original FGDC Metadata
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Seed rain in sampling plots.csv
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text/csv
Purpose
Alternative stable equilibrium (ASE) theory hypothesizes that a system can exist as multiple stable-states under the same environmental conditions. The current state is determined by priority effects and is non-transitory due to the positive feedbacks between the community and the environment. Only when certain thresholds are met do systems experience phase shifts from one stable-state to an alternative. Understanding where these thresholds are is important for restoration and management because it helps managers predict the level of resources needed to push an ecosystem from a degraded state to a more desired condition. We addressed thresholds to native plant germination and survival by experimentally manipulating seed rain and exotic grass cover, while simultaneously monitoring background rates of these variables. Quantifying natural seed rain rates in different habitat types was needed to better understand how these thresholds function.
