Ground Level Predator–Prey Interactions and Rainforest Structure Across 18 Permanent Plots, Cassowary Coast Region, Australia 2023

This dataset contains measurements of predation rates, predator abundance, and environmental variables collected in September 2023 across 18 permanent 20 × 20 m study plots in tropical rainforest of the Cassowary Coast Region, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland, Australia. Predation was quantified using 360 artificial plasticine caterpillars exposed for seven days and inspected for predator attack marks, alongside concurrent pitfall trapping of ground-dwelling arthropods (ants, carabid beetles, and crickets). Environmental data include tree and vine stem counts, species identifications, basal area, aboveground biomass estimates, vine-to-tree ratios, leaf area index from hemispherical photographs, litter depth, and coarse woody debris surveys. These data were collected following standardised ecological protocols to support analysis of predator–prey interactions, vegetation structure, and rainforest disturbance dynamics.