Data from: Community-wide epizoochorous interactions revealed from roadkilled mammals

This dataset contains records of roadkilled mammals collected  in
To Japan. For each individual, species, sex, body weight, and the presence
of externally attached seeds were recorded. The data were collected to
investigate seasonal variation in epizoochorous seed dispersal by mammals.
This dataset can be used to explore ecological interactions between
roadkilled animals and plant seed dispersal, with implications for
understanding dispersal dynamics in fragmented landscapes. A lack of
information persists on external seed dispersal interactions, despite the
rich diversity of potential dispersers. Roadkills offer a unique
opportunity to obtain ecological data directly from carcasses. For 18
years, we collected road-killed mammals in Toyama (Japan) and screened
them for seed attachment. We then illustrated species interactions,
quantified the number of plant species and seeds individual roadkill
carried, and evaluated seasonal variations in the probability of seed
attachment. We identified nine mammal species dispersing seeds from 16
distinct plant taxa. Most importantly, medium-sized mammals (1.5–10.0 kg)
accounted for approximately 88% of roadkill carrying seeds, with raccoon
dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) dispersing the most seeds. Likely due to
seed-set phenology, we showed a significant increase in seed prevalence
for roadkills occurring in autumn. We advocate for future studies in
epizoochory to focus on potential animal dispersers community wide.