Unraveling the cavity-nesting network at large spatial scales: The biogeographic role of woodpeckers as ecosystem engineers

Aim: Cavities are usually a limiting resource for several forest-dwelling vertebrates, with effects that propagate through ecological networks. Although diverse assemblages of primary excavators (e.g., woodpeckers) are assumed to increase cavities, other forest resources can also limit populations of primary excavators and cavity users, thus undermining the ecological role of excavators over different scales. We aim to test the biogeographical-scale relationships between primary excavators and cavity users by distinguishing the contribution of forest characteristics.
Location: Southern South America
Methods: We used species distribution models, which combine bioclimatic and remote sensing derived variables, to map the richness of vertebrates composing the cavity network of temperate and Mediterranean forests of South America. Based on a resampling procedure for ensuring spatial independence, we fitted structural equation models to estimate causal relationships between forest characteris..., * Methods of data collection/generation: see manuscript for details., , # Unraveling the cavity-nesting network at large spatial scales: the biogeographic role of woodpeckers as ecosystem engineers

## Description of the Data and file structure

The spatial database that was used to model the cavity-nesting network in southern South America. Each variable was used in SEM analysis

# Reference Information

## Provenance for this README

* File name: README_ALANIZ_JBI_2024.txt
* Authors: Alberto J. Alaniz, Mario A. Carvajal, Madelaine Quiroz, Pablo M. Vergara, Pablo A. Marquet, Andrés Fierro, Kathryn E. Sieving, Darío Moreira-Arce, Claudia Hidalgo-Corrotea, Annia Rodríguez-San Pedro, Luis Allendes & Katerine Machuca
* Date created: 2022-09-19
* Date modified: 2022-09-20

## Dataset Version and Release History

* Current Version:
* Number: 3.0.0
* Date: 2023-12-04
* Persistent identifier: DOI: 10.5061/dryad.zs7h44jd
* Summary of changes: n/a

* Embargo Provenance: n/a
* Scope of embargo: n/a
* Embargo period:...