Novel positive interactions between invasive species: widespread mammals disperse a non-native woody species

Novel ecosystems often emerge from the co-occurrence of species with no shared evolutionary history, leading to unique and potentially synergistic interactions. Positive interactions between non-native species can be crucial for successful invasions. In this study, we investigate the novel interaction between two invasive mammals (Axis axis and Sus scrofa) and their role as dispersers of the invasive tree species Gleditsia triacanthos.
We assessed this dispersal mechanism at a local scale in Entre Ríos, Argentina, by feces sampling. We analyzed the seed content in feces and performed germination experiments to compare them to non-consumed seeds. Additionally, using global occurrence data, we mapped the co-occurrence of both mammal species with G. triacanthos to identify regions of potential synergistic interactions.
We estimated a density of 1917 feces per hectare for A. axis and 267 for S. scrofa. Of the feces sampled, 56% of A. axis and 37% of S. scrofa feces contained at least one G...., Study site and species
Field sampling was conducted at “Potrero San Lorenzo” ranch, an agricultural, forestry, and conservation establishment located in Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina (33°00'03\"S 58°15'35\"W). The climate of the study site is temperate and subhumid, with an average annual temperature ranging between 16.7°C and 18.5°C and an average annual precipitation of 1098 mm (Hydraulic Directorate of Entre Ríos, Official Network of Automatic Weather Stations 2009-2021). The natural vegetation is characterized by grassland physiognomy with open woodlands dominated by native tree species such as Vachellia caven, Neltuma affinis, Celtis ehrenbergiana, Schinus molle, and Scutia buxifolia (Sabattini et al., 2015). Recently, we characterized the woody vegetation structure at the study site, including both native and non-native species (see Supplementary Material 1). The results indicate that native species dominate in terms of adult tree abundance, and that G. triacanthos is..., # Data from: Novel positive interactions between invasive species: widespread mammals disperse a non-native woody species

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.dbrv15fgb](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.dbrv15fgb)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset compiles information collected to evaluate endozoochorous seed dispersal by two large mammal species—**Axis axis** and **Sus scrofa**—and its consequences for the germination of both an invasive tree (**Gleditsia triacanthos**) and a native species (**Vachellia caven**).

The database includes several experimental components:

* **Field sampling of mammal feces** from *Axis axis* and *Sus scrofa*, quantifying the **presence and abundance of seeds** of *Gleditsia triacanthos* and *Vachellia caven* (Tables 1–2; CSV format).
* **Germination assays** assessing the viability and establishment potential of seeds recovered from feces (Tables 3–4; CSV format).
* **Global occurrence analysis** for *Gleditsia triacanthos*, *Axis axis*, a...,