Data from: Masting increases seedling recruitment near and far: predator satiation and improved dispersal in a fleshy-fruited tree

The animal dispersal hypothesis predicts that mast seeding can increase
dispersal rate of seeds by dispersers and enhance reproductive success of
plants. However, in contrast to pollination efficiency and predator
satiation hypothesis, the animal dispersal hypothesis has received mixed
support. Using 12-year data on fruit production and seedling recruitment
of a fleshy-fruited tree rowan (Sorbus aucuparia, Rosaceae), we tested if
an increase in the fruit production at the population level results in
higher proportion of fruits recruiting into seedlings. Recruitment was
recorded near (under rowans) and far (under heterospecifics) from
conspecifics. Higher recruitment rates under rowans would support predator
satiation hypothesis. Higher recruitment rates under heterospecific trees,
where fruits can only arrive with animal assistance, would support animal
dispersal hypothesis. High population-level fruit production increased the
proportion of fruits recruiting into seedlings both near and far from
rowans. In contrast, high individual-level fruit production did not have a
positive effect on the proportion of fruits recruiting into seedlings.
  Synthesis. Population-level synchronization of fruit production
is required to generate a more effective plant regeneration. Our findings
show that masting enhances seedling recruitment through predator satiation
and increased seed dispersal by frugivores. The results provide support
for both animal dispersal and predator satiation hypotheses indicating
that both mechanisms can operate simultaneously.