Data from: Non-climatic constraints on upper elevational plant range expansion under climate change

We are limited in our ability to predict climate-change-induced range
shifts by our inadequate understanding of how non-climatic factors
contribute to determining range limits along putatively climatic
gradients. Here, we present a unique combination of observations and
experiments demonstrating that seed predation and soil properties strongly
limit regeneration beyond the upper elevational range limit of sugar
maple, a tree species of major economic importance. Most strikingly,
regeneration beyond the range limit occurred almost exclusively when seeds
were experimentally protected from predators. Regeneration from seed was
depressed on soil from beyond the range edge when this soil was
transplanted to sites within the range, with indirect evidence suggesting
that fungal pathogens play a role. Non-climatic factors are clearly in
need of careful attention when attempting to predict the biotic
consequences of climate change. At minimum, we can expect non-climatic
factors to create substantial time lags between the creation of more
favourable climatic conditions and range expansion.