Data from: Tree species composition, breeding systems, pollination and dispersal syndromes in three forest successional stages in a tropical dry forest in Mesoamerica

Tropical dry forests (TDF) in Mesoamerica are highly endangered by the
expansion of human activities (e.g., agriculture and cattle ranching). In
contrast, TDF in Costa Rica have experienced outstanding restoration due
to changes in economic and conservation policies. Currently TDF landscapes
in Costa Rica are a mosaic of different successional stages. Tree breeding
systems and pollination and dispersal syndromes are key elements for
understanding restoration processes in TDFs. In this study we describe and
compare tree species composition and diversity in three TDF successional
stages (early, intermediate and late) in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. We
describe for the first time tree species breeding systems and pollination
and dispersal syndromes for the largest and most significant TDF remnant
in Mesoamerica. We set up nine plots, three per successional stage, and we
measured and identified 1,072 trees from 96 species. Species richness and
diversity indices were higher for the intermediate stage. Monoecy was the
most common breeding system, as in other tropical life zones. Insects were
the dominant pollinators, facilitated by the trees’ small inflorescences.
Wind was found to be not only the next most influential pollinator, mainly
in open and disturbed early forests, but also it was also a good seed
dispersal agent. As TDF age increases so does the relevancy of birds and
mammals as dispersers; the late stage therefore has more tree species with
adaptations to these dispersers.